Ken Hickling

Non-Executive Director, Riela Yachts

James Jaffa

Partner, Jaffa & Co

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.

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.

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.

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.