Ken Hickling

Non-Executive Director, Riela Yachts

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.

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

Christine Cassar Naudi

Partner, Ganado Associates

Christine Cassar Naudi is a Partner within the corporate finance and tax team at Ganado Advocates, and heads the firm’s tax practice for yachts. She joined Ganado Advocates after working for a number of years with one of the Big Four firms in Malta in the international tax department.

Christine provides tax advice to mostly international clients (both corporate and individual) on tax optimisation through Malta, including income tax, stamp duty and VAT implications for clients with Malta-based companies and structures. She is a speaker at a number of seminars and conferences.

Janet Xanthopolous

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

Alexandre Bayeux

Yacht Manager, Solutions Provider

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

Jean-Philippe Maslin

Associé / Partner, Richemont Del Viso Avocats

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

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.

Pierre Balzan

Managing Director, Melita Marine Group

Pierre began his career in the maritime industry back in 1985 with Salv. Bezzina & Sons Limited. He stayed with the company till 1989 where he was able to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in the mechanisms of the industry. In 1989 he left Salv. Bezzina & Sons Limited and set up a business aimed at offering the basic yachting services.

Following the success of his venture, Pierre set up Melita Marine Ltd included Refit Management, Agency, Yacht Brokerage, Yacht & Plane Charter, Customs Clearance, Duty Free Supplies, Supply and logistical assistance for Provisions.

After gaining invaluable experience and vast understanding of the local yachting market, Pierre recognized the huge potential of Malta to become a major player in the Mediterranean yachting industry. He also appreciated that, due to the peculiar nature of the yachting world, basic economic principles did not always play true. This lead him to set up Melita Power Diesel Ltd in 1998, which was the result of a buyout of Marine industrial repairs, offering the services of Engine repair, overhauling and reconditioning. Following through the success of Melita Power Diesel Ltd, Pierre (under the form of Melita Marine Group) set up Melita Yacht Painters Ltd in 1999.