Ken Hickling

Non-Executive Director, Riela Yachts

After graduating from Southampton Institute (now Solent Uni) in Boat building and Boatyard Management, Ken worked for four years with Isle of Wight composites specialist SP System (now Gurit).  He switched to International Paint, initially as a Product Manager and then moved to sister company Interlux in the States becoming VP Marketing.  He returned to Europe a few years later in a commercial role, eventually becoming Global Manager for the Awlgrip business, now also within the AkzoNobel yacht portfolio.  After working in paint for a total of 21 years, Ken became an independent business advisor including working as a Non-Executive Director for Viking Maritime Group and also Riela Yachts.

During that time he has served as Treasurer, VP and President of ISS, BSi Representative on the ISO working group for Large Yachts, committee member and Vice Chair of Superyacht UK and is an honorary Fellow of the International Institute of Marine Surveyors.  He is also a trustee of the Superyacht Charities Foundation.

Ken is a keen sailor and actually enjoys golf from time to time.

James Jaffa

Partner, Jaffa & Co

James founded the firm and is recognised internationally for his knowledge and expertise. He has been shortlisted for the Citywealth Lawyer of the Year Award and recognised as a leading advisor within the London market for ultra-high net worth sector. He has also been ranked in Chambers Guide and the Legal 500, both of which recognise the UK’s leading legal advisors. Clients praise James’ fast response times and ability to simplify complex matters. One leading, international brokerage describes James as “without doubt, one of the finest specialists in the industry and a pleasure to deal with.” In his personal capacity, James is an avid sailor and competes nationally and internationally. He enjoys spending time in the South of France with his family, onboard their own boat.

Marco Hurrle

Head of Power Generation and Sustainability, Melita Power Diesel

Rory Jackson

Head of Superyachts, Vessels Value

Having spent eight years covering the superyacht industry as both a journalist and consultant, Rory is passionate about hastening the next iteration of the superyacht market in respect to it becoming more data focussed, transparent and professional.

Richard Hekker

CEO, OPES JET

OPES JET was founded by Richard Hekker and Pascal Barreau. Both development. Prior to OPES JET, Richard was a commercial pilot who flew private jets in Europe. Most recently he was the group CEO and shareholder of Air Allgäu Group, Germany’s 3rd oldest airline. development.

Prior to OPES JET, Richard was a commercial pilot who flew private jets in Europe. Most recently he was the group CEO and shareholder of Air Allgäu Group, Germany’s 3rd oldest airline. 

Before OPES JET, Richard has held many senior positions, including: 

• Chief Executive Officer, Excellent Air GmbH in Germany
• Business Development Director, MoonJet Flight Support, in Dubai
• Regional Director Europe, UAS International Trip Support, in Dubai
• Postholder & Director of Operations, Imperial Jet GmbH in Germany

Richard speaks 5 languages, has been married for nearly 20 years and is father to two teenage boys. 

Elliot Bishop

Head of Luxury Asset Group, Shoosmiths

Elliot is head of the Luxury Asset Group at national law firm Shoosmiths and joint head of the Marine Team. Recognised in Chambers – “… highlighted for his astute skills … Clients describe him as “professional, with the ability to convey the complexities of the law to the layman when needed … “. The Legal 500 confirms him as a “standout lawyer” with an impressive following. “He is commercial, easy to work with, and very clever.” He has acted in multi-jurisdictional litigation on behalf of marine underwriters in respect of claims and policy coverage issues and international enforcement of loan security against pleasure boats and superyachts. Spears 500 describes him as a “Top Recommended” and the team has also been recognised in Chambers High Net Worth guide and the Legal 500.

A highly motivated individual, technically adept, with extensive commercial and organisational experience, who sees the “big picture” with ease. Analytical and pragmatic, a thoughtful and precise communicator, who is mindful of the needs of others and respects their contributions. An instinctive leader, but also a team player who facilitates innovative and efficient solutions to often complex issues. A former parliamentary candidate and a Freeman of the City of London.

Mike Wimbridge

Managing Director, PANTAENIUS UK Limited

Mike began his insurance career in 1987 initially working for the Royal Insurance Group before entering the marine world by joining Radcliffe and Company in 1989. This was his first step on what has become a 33 year career in the yacht insurance market. During that time Mike has been both an insurance broker and an underwriter. Mike has worked for much of his career in Lloyd’s of London and, including spells with Marsh, AIG, BRIT and Markel, he has been involved in all aspects of superyacht underwriting and broking and is extremely well known within the industry. In 2019 Mike joined Pantaenius, one of the leading specialists in Yacht Insurance, and works as Managing Director – UK for them.

Richard Selby MIReg

Commercial Director & Head of Training, Maritime Aviation

Richard brings a wealth of experience in maritime and aviation safety, and is currently engaged with insurers and regulatory bodies in focussing on improving safe & efficient operations onboard aviation capable superyachts. He encourages industry stakeholders to explore new and innovative technology whilst urging them to understand the potential for human and financial loss during unforeseen adverse events, and what can be done to minimise the impact. Richard also encourages a review of outdated standards & regulations to mitigate risk.

Dr Peter Mansi

Partner, Fire Investigations UK

With over 30 years operational firefighting experience with the London Fire Brigade, I am a Forensic Fire Investigator, and previously a Group Manager for the London Fire Brigade’s Fire and Arson Investigation Team; I was also the Borough Commander for the City of London. I have either led, managed and/or reviewed some of the most complex fire investigations in the UK, Ireland and overseas since 2004.

I have conducted many cold case reviews, including a recent super yacht potentially involving lithium ion batteries.

I have given television and radio interviews around the world in relation to major fire losses.

A Certified Fire Investigator, Evidence Collection Technician and Life Member with the International Association of Arson Investigators; a Member of the Chartered Society for Forensic Sciences, a Fellow and Engineering Technician of the Institution of Fire Engineers, a Fellow and Life Member of the UK Association of Fire Investigators and a Life Member of CAPITULO 82 CHILE – IAAI’s 82^nd Chapter. I obtained my PhD in fire and arson investigation methodology in December 2012, challenged by Professor Drysdale during my viva voce in April 2012.

As part of my investigation activities, I have undertaken numerous scene and laboratory examinations of electrical installations (including photovoltaic systems) and appliances (including those powered by Lithium batteries) involved in fires. I am familiar with fault mechanism analysis and modes of ignition of low voltage electrical fires.

I have investigated many leisure vessel fires including those that have occurred within UK and overseas inland waterways, within marinas, at sea or on the hard.

I have also investigated an onboard inflight aircraft fire following the fatal crash that occurred as a result, working directly with the Air Accident Investigation Unit (Ireland).

I am a Partner in Fire Investigations (UK) LLP. 

I am Immediate Past President of the Central European Chapter of the IAAI, Chair of the IAAI Past Presidents Council, Co-Chair of the IAAI Health and Safety Committee and Committee Member of the IAAI Fire Investigations Standards Committee.

I am a Member of the NFPA 921 Technical Committee for fire and explosion investigations.

Pete Watson

Lead Fire Trainer, DG Maritime

Peter is the Lead Firefighting Training Associate with Da Gama Maritime (DGM). He brings a wealth of experience in marine firefighting, training and development and command and control of emergency incidents.

His first experience of firefighting was when he was serving in the Royal Navy. On leaving the Royal Navy he joined Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS).

During his career with HFRS he carried out role as a fire service trainer specialising in maritime firefighting.

As Peter’s career developed, he was promoted to the role of Station Manager for training and development. He then took the position of Station Manager for an operational fire station, moving on to Group Manager with the responsibility for six fire stations.

He was a member of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) responding to fires on vessels at sea and acting as liaison officer with the Maritime Coastguard Agency. He attended a number of maritime fire’s the most interesting being a cargo vessel with a fire in the hold full of banana’s.

When he left the fire service, he spent two years managing Warsash Maritime Fire School where he developed the policy and procedures for command and control of fire incidents for Costa cruise lines.

He joined DGM in 2014. His first major role for the company was carrying out fire risk assessments on P&O and Cunard vessels in the compartments deemed to be a high fire risk, this work then lead to the development of firefighting training and assessment criteria for P&O and Cunard emergency response teams. Peter has a Master’s in Business Administration.

Alison Vassallo

Partner, Fenech & Fenech Advocates

Alison Vassallo is a Partner of Fenech and Fenech Advocates and heads the Yachting Department. She also works within the Marine Litigation Department.

She qualified in 2004 with a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Malta and obtained her Masters Degree in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute in 2005.

She joined Fenech and Fenech Advocates in 2006. For the past 16 years she has advised and co-ordinated projects for owners and financiers relating to the acquisition and sale of private and commercial yachts with regard to registration, financing, chartering, leasing and fiscal requirements and solutions.

Furthermore her areas of practice within the firm embrace all aspects of maritime law including EU shipping law, recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements and arbitral awards, ship
arrest and other precautionary measures for obtainment of security and co ordination of tender procedures involving a maritime element.

Alison is a Council and Executive Board Member within the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Chairperson of the Yachting Trade Section within the Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Chamber of Advocates, Committee Member of the Malta Maritime Law Association (MMLA) and a Board Member of the yachting sub committee formed within the MMLA.

Janet Xanthopoulos

Director, Head of Yacht and Jet Department, Rosemont International/Rosemont Yacht Services

Janet has an international background and graduated at University of Aix-Marseille III.  She has Masters in International/European and Maritime Law.

Since 2001 Janet has gained significant working experience in the yachting sector in Europe and recently in Asia and headed up the yacht departments of two other Luxembourg and Monaco based companies. Her extensive legal, fiscal and commercial experience is further strengthened with a practical background in the yacht sector ensuring the delivery of a dedicated range of services to the most exacting standards.

As head of the Marine & Aviation Division, Janet leads a team of professional and highly experienced people who can assist owners and brokers during all the ownership process starting from the purchase or construction up to the sale by considering also their structuring, legal, tax, financing, registration, insurance, crewing and day to day administration needs.

Alex Chumillas

Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SL

Carla Bellieni

Piana Illuzzi Queierolo Trabattoni

Carla Bellieni has been a certified public accountant based in Genoa since 1990.

In her career Carla has dealt with tax matters in the shipping and yachting area for worldwide clients.

Born in Genoa (Italy) Carla started working after her studies when she joined the tax firm where she became a partner in 1997.

Her professional activity with focus on the maritime area includes consultancy in fiscal, customs and corporate issues, relations with the tax and customs institutions, tax litigation.

Carla is a speaker on Blue Economy tax matters at some of the most important European specialized events; she is also lecturer in specialized teaching courses and author of several articles regarding tax matters in the shipping and yachting industry. She is Member of the MEULC (*), IYAC (**) Certified Arbitrator, Member of Committees and Lecturer for the Roll of Certified Public Accountants and Lecturer for the training of Directors and Managers for Trade Associations.

Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associé / Partner, Richemont Del Viso Avocats

Maja Ban

Director, MYS Yachting

Maja graduated in 2000 with a BA in Economics from the University of Zagreb in Croatia.  She is also a licensed Maritime Agent and holds a Certificate for Superyacht Management from the Maritime Training Academy in the United Kingdom.

Maja began her yachting career in 2005 as a stewardess on various mega yachts.  Working on the private, busy charter and new build yachts, she learned firsthand the operational, technical and administrative aspects of running a super yacht.

After gaining this valuable experience while cruising the world, crossing the Suez and Panama channels and the Atlantic ocean, chartering in the Caribbean and West Med, and spending time in some of the best shipyards in Holland, Germany and the USA, Maja left yachts as a chief stewardess in 2008 to open MYS Yachting.

She started the company as a boutique yachting company to service luxury mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro.

After a decade of growth and building relationships in the industry and in the region, MYS Yachting is now a diverse team of individuals with backgrounds in yachting, tourism, finance, technology.

Initially a maritime/yacht agency for mega yachts in Croatia and Montenegro, MYS Yachting has added VAT and fiscal representation and charter and management services.

Alexandre Bayeux

Consultant, Expert in digital security and organization

Vincent Huens de Brouwer

Yacht Insurance Broker, Covership

Having specialised in maritime law with a French and a UK master degree, Vincent began in 2000 as legal correspondent of the main P&I Clubs of the International Group.

In 2008, he embraced the career of superyacht insurance broker with leading Monaco-based insurance broker agencies, including top management position in Florida.

Vincent set up COVERSHIP, his own yacht insurance broker firm in 2018, that has now became a network of independent superyacht insurance agencies on both sides of the Atlantic.

He is also member of the European Development Committee of the International Yacht Broker Association and actively involved with The International Seakeepers Society in the South of France.

Happy husband and father, Vincent likes spending time cooking and golfing.

Kurt Schrauwen

Cyber Security Director, Riela Group

Kurt Schrauwen is a Director at Riela Cyber, the Cyber Security Operations Centre specialising in
proactive and bespoke cyber solutions for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

Using his range of technical management and leadership experience built growing an industry leader
in the tech space, Kurt’s diverse role at Riela Cyber makes him responsible for leading Riela’s
corporate strategy and client relations. With this, Kurt ensures that all bespoke cyber security
solutions are implemented with ease and efficiency for the client, whilst always looking for ways to
integrate solution improvements wherever possible.

Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn here.

Andrew Douglas

Managing Director, AvioNexus

Pandora Mather-Lees

Art on Superyachts

An Art Historian, founder of ArtOnSuperyachts.com and Director of Pandora Art Services, Pandora’s career spans 25 years at Board level in the cultural sector focusing on business strategy, marketing and education.

As superyacht art consultant and educator teaching The Practical Care of On-Board Art Collections, Pandora trains the maritime industry, Captains and Crew in understanding the legal, environmental and handling risks with art in international waters, along with art appreciation and reviews for insurance and other purposes.

As Managing Director of Bridgeman Images, Bridgeman Education and as VP of Global Sales at Artnet, Pandora worked extensively with museums, galleries and auction houses globally, bringing the world’s great art collections to the commercial market and institutions.  Pandora has also worked in art logistics and art forensics.

She is a founder member of the Art Due Diligence Group which safely guides purchasers of high value artworks through pre and post-sale due diligence. Pandora is a Liveryman in the Company of Arts Scholars and fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Michael Burle

Head of Marine & Fine Art, Liberty Global Group, UK

An experienced underwriter in Marine insurance for over 30 years. At Liberty Specialty Markets, we insure Fine Art, Jewellery and Valuables where we pride ourselves on providing our policyholders with bespoke coverage coupled with the highest level of service.

Based in London Michael is responsible for managing the global Fine Arts and Specie portfolio that enjoys locations throughout the world.

Tilman Kriesel

TKA Art Advisors, YAM Yacht Art Management

Due to his family background (Sprengel Museum Hannover), Tilman Kriesel became passionately involved in countless engagements in the art world at an early age. As a trained architect and project developer, he was increasingly sought out for his attitude in the art world. Today he manages art-properties and artcollections and shares his passion with the familiar.

Tilman Kriesel Art Advisors GmbH (TKA) is an independent advisor within the international art world. Due to Tilman’s experience and exclusive network, TKA is able to fulfil even outstanding individual expectations. His business operations include also Art Finance, Art Software, Art Estates, Art Buildings and Yacht Art Management.

Yacht Art Management (YAM) is the only full-service partner in order to ensure the highest level of arthandling quality on board. Founded in 2016, by Tilman Kriesel (architect and art expert) and Astor Milan Salcedo (artist and interior expert) in Hamburg/ Germany, YAM and its qualified partners are able to master all challenges related to art on superyachts, from ‘nail to nail’.

His team draws on several years of professional expertise in the mega yacht sector.

Daniel Taylor

Taylor Hampton Solicitors

Daniel is one of the most experienced defamation lawyers in the UK and specialises in all aspects of media law including libel, privacy, internet law and confidentiality; subjects of considerable importance to the superyacht industry.

A number of the cases he has been involved in have led to changes in the law governing the media. He is also a highly experienced commercial litigator having acted for both Claimants and Defendants in numerous high-profile actions and landmark cases resulting in the firm winning many awards. Daniel is a leading practitioner in the realm of privacy and was a pioneer in the phone hacking litigation. He was involved in the firm’s successful actions against News International which were pivotal to the closure of the News of the World.

Daniel has represented household names in their actions against the media, including actors, TV presenters and sportsmen. 

Taylor Hampton draws on its experience of reputation management in conducting such cases for the industry where superyacht owners and other parties wish their names to be kept out of the press. Daniel has previously presented at superyacht events on the risks to owners of scandals surfacing in the media and how to tackle them.

Quentin Bargate

Founder & CEO, Bargate Murray

Quentin Bargate qualified as a solicitor in 1981 and has since spent his entire career in top City of London law firms, including running his own highly regarded firm, Bargate Murray, where he is head of the firm’s Superyacht and Dispute Resolution Groups as well as being the firm’s CEO. Client sources comment on the “huge amount of litigation experience” that Quentin has, adding that he is “very well connected” and “knows his stuff.” A satisfied client appreciates that “he does the work from the beginning to the end, providing a full and complete service,” and the source adds: “His advice is always helpful and he is very practical.” (Source: Chambers HNW Guide).

Quentin says: “In 2004, I fulfilled a lifetime ambition when I set up my own law firm, Quentin Bargate & Co. (renamed Bargate Murray in 2006). We incorporated in 2012. I had been a partner in Simmons & Simmons and Head of its International Trade and Shipping Group and a member of the Litigation Department and Arbitration Groups where I developed specialist skills in superyacht contracts and disputes as well as commercial shipping and trade.  Bargate Murray was a new challenge – to take all that knowledge I had gained over 14 years from a big City of London international practice, and offer it to clients who wanted a nimbler, more responsive service from a specialist firm.”

Bargate Murray is highly ranked in the Chambers HNW Guide for ‘Yachts & Superyachts’, and the Guide recognises Quentin as a Leading Individual for his expertise in this practice.

Quentin is an advocate for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), but he also deals with cases in court when required. He occasionally sits as an arbitrator.

Quentin is a member of the Baltic Exchange, the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands yacht committee. He holds a Master’s degree in Marine law, is a member of the LMAA, a Member of the Nautical Institute, a member of the IOD, a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and a Freeman of the City of London.

His other interests include photography (Elsevier has published a technical book on stock photography “Microstock Photography” written by Quentin under his pen name Douglas Freer), music and his family.

Pierre Balzan

Managing Director, Melita Marine Group

Pierre, as Owner and Managing Director has over 35 years’ experience in the Yachting Industry with MELITA MARINE GROUP having various direct important investment interests in Malta, Greece, Cyprus and Spain in the fields of owning and operating Refit Yards, Engineering Workshops, Marinas, Chandlery, Management, Charter and Brokerage.

Representing also various high quality Brands such as Rolls Royce / MTU engines and sustainability products exclusively in Malta, Greece & Cyprus with over 8,000 sqm of workshops.

Present yards yacht lifting capability of 5,000 tons.

Marinas totalling 300 berths.

Direct employed workforce of over 300 plus approved subcontractor back up in all competencies required in the yachting Industry.

Pierre is currently focusing on the Melita Marine Group expansion in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia as well as Dubai in line with their 2030 strategy.

Roberto Perocchio

President, Assomarinas/Italian Marinas Association

Roberto Perocchio was born in Aschaffenburg (Germany) in 1961.

Graduated in law, he owns and manages two real estate companies and the yacht harbour “Marina del Cavallino” in the province of Venice.

He is currently president of Assomarinas, the Italian national marina association with 84 members.

Since 1990 he’s also member of the board of Confindustria Nautica, the Italian National Marine manufacturers association which organises the Genova Boat show.

Since 1991 he’s member of IMG, the Icomia Marinas Group, the department of Icomia (International Council of Marine Industries Associations, based in London) dedicated to the international marina branch, which organizes the World Marina Conference every two years in different parts of the world. He’s been appointed chairman of IMG from 2009 to 2017.

Since 2016 he’s also board member of Federturismo-Confindustria, the National Italian Federation of tourism enterprises based in Rome.

From 2005 to 2016 he’s also been managing director of Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.a., the company which manages the cruise port of Venice, one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea.  

Joe Degabriele

Senior Business Development Manager, MB92 La Ciotat

Michael Mifsud

CEO, Yachting Malta

Michael is a keen sailor who has managed to combine his passion for sailing with his career as CEO of Yachting Malta Ltd. Yachting Malta is a public private partnership between the Government of Malta and the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Yachting Malta’s primary role is to identify and attract high profile yachting events to the Maltese Islands, including sailing regattas, power racing and boat shows. Drawn to sailing in his late teens, he has contributed toward the recognition of Sailing as a leading sport in Malta through his role as President of the Malta Sailing Federation since 2018. The Malta Sailing Federation is the member national authority for sailing in Malta to World Sailing and is affiliated with SportMalta, Eurosaf, The Malta Olympic Committee  and The Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations. 

His past experiences both as Director of Malta’s largest yacht marina, Board Secretary of Malta Marittima, as well as that of Secretary of the Malta Cruising Club have put him in touch with the infrastructure of yacht marinas and refit facilities both locally and abroad. 

Matthew Attard

Partner, Ganado Advocates

Matthew Attard is a Partner within the Ganado Advocates’ shipping and yachting practice. He main areas of competence include advising on sales/acquisitions and registrations of Commercial and Pleasure Yachts as well as Merchant Vessels under the Malta Flag. Matthew also regularly assists major financial institutions and owners in the financing of vessels, incorporation of Maltese Shipping organisations and all related corporate advice.  Matthew is also the President of the Malta Maritime Law Association