Women in the Marine Industry International announce panel for Metstrade 2026
Industry leaders from Brunswick Corporation, West Marine, The Magenta Project and Saxdor Yachts join international panel exploring the future of the marine workplace
Women in the Marine Industry International is proud to announce an exceptional panel of visionary female leaders for its annual Panel & Networking Breakfast, taking place at Metstrade 2026 the morning of Wednesday 18 November. This is a free, in-person event, however, registration is required.
Women in the Marine Industry International is proud to announce an exceptional panel of visionary female leaders for its annual Panel & Networking Breakfast, taking place at Metstrade 2026 the morning of Wednesday 18 November. This is a free, in-person event, however, registration is required.
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Fiona Richardson, VP of Global Human Resources at Brunswick Corporation's Navico Group; Paulee Day, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Marine; Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project; and Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts, will take to the Metstrade Stage for this year’s discussion: Future of the Marine Workplace: Building the Next Generation of Leaders.
Together, the panel offers a powerful mix of experience spanning global business leadership, marketing and digital transformation, retail and operations, diversity and inclusion, talent development, entrepreneurship and high-growth marine manufacturing.
Global business is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping how organisations operate, compete and develop their people – and the marine industry is no exception. As businesses navigate technological innovation, changing workforce expectations and an increasingly competitive global marketplace, the discussion will explore how we develop the people who will lead the industry into the future. From attracting and retaining talent to creating opportunities, nurturing emerging leaders and building inclusive, high-performing workplaces, attendees can expect an engaging and insightful conversation grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience.
With more than 35 years of experience spanning manufacturing, product development, marketing, sales and marine media, Michele brings extensive industry knowledge to the discussion. A long-standing advocate for innovation and inclusion, she founded the Women in the Industry series of programmes and events and has spearheaded initiatives including “Pitch the Pros” and the “1+1 Mentoring Programme”.
Her contribution to the industry has been recognised with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award and 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award.
Speaking about the event and this year’s panel, Michele Goldsmith commented: “It is hard to believe that this year marks our five year anniversary of the first event specifically focused on women working in the marine industry at Metstrade. This year’s panel is comprised of four brilliant and forward-thinking leaders with very different experiences, perspectives and career journeys. That diversity is exactly what makes these conversations so valuable.
“This year we’re looking firmly to the future: how we attract the next generation of leaders, nurture their talent and create opportunities that develop the leaders our industry will need to thrive in the future. These aren’t challenges for one part of the sector - they matter to every marine business.
“I look forward to celebrating five years of connecting and learning, and I encourage women and men at every stage of their careers to join us with an open mind, ready to listen, learn, make new connections and have some fun. As ever, our goal is to offer new ideas and perspectives that you can implement in your business and life.”
Hosted by British Marine, Metstrade, the Soundings Trade Only Group and Marine Industry News, the event has grown into a popular fixture on the Metstrade calendar and the largest event at the Metstrade theatre, providing an informal and welcoming environment to learn from industry leaders, exchange experiences and make valuable connections with peers from around the world.
Women and men at all stages of their careers are encouraged to attend, from those beginning their marine careers and emerging leaders through to experienced professionals and senior executives.
Whether you want to hear different perspectives on developing talent, take ideas back to your own organisation, build your professional network or simply connect with the international marine community, the event offers a valuable start to the Metstrade day.
Attendees should register via the dedicated Women in the Marine Industry International registration link to secure both their Metstrade entry badge and breakfast place.
Register here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/12k0lfjz2410m?actioncode=MET4230
This year, supporters are aiming to raise $25,000 to help fund a school, extending the event’s focus on creating opportunities for the next generation beyond the marine industry.
Attendees and the wider marine community are encouraged to get behind the campaign and help reach the fundraising target. Donate here - https://secure.roomtoread.org/page/186427/donate/1
Learn more about Room to Read - www.roomtoread.org/
For the latest updates, follow Women in the Marine Industry International on LinkedIn.
Together, the panel offers a powerful mix of experience spanning global business leadership, marketing and digital transformation, retail and operations, diversity and inclusion, talent development, entrepreneurship and high-growth marine manufacturing.
Global business is evolving at an unprecedented pace, reshaping how organisations operate, compete and develop their people – and the marine industry is no exception. As businesses navigate technological innovation, changing workforce expectations and an increasingly competitive global marketplace, the discussion will explore how we develop the people who will lead the industry into the future. From attracting and retaining talent to creating opportunities, nurturing emerging leaders and building inclusive, high-performing workplaces, attendees can expect an engaging and insightful conversation grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience.
Meet the 2026 Panel
Fiona Richardson - VP of Global Human Resources at Brunswick Corporation's Navico Group
Supporting business leaders and teams across its global organisation, Fiona’s career spans business transformation, organisational development, talent and leadership, with a strong focus on helping organisations navigate change while keeping people and culture at the heart of business decisions. Working internationally from Europe, Fiona brings valuable insight into developing future leaders, attracting and retaining talent, and creating workplaces where diverse perspectives and ideas can thrive.Paulee Day – President and Chief Executive Officer, West Marine
Appointed President and CEO of West Marine in November 2025, Paulee brings more than 20 years of marine industry experience, including 15 years with MarineMax. Since joining West Marine in 2022, she has progressed through senior leadership positions spanning legal, HR, administration and operations before taking the helm of the business. A collaborative business leader with extensive cross-functional experience, Paulee also serves on the boards of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).Victoria Low – CEO, The Magenta Project
Victoria leads The Magenta Project, an international organisation dedicated to breaking down barriers for women in professional sailing and the wider marine industry. With 30 years of marine sector experience, she combines deep industry knowledge with extensive work in diversity, inclusion and leadership development. The Magenta Project has supported more than 300 women through mentoring, leadership development and pathway programmes, with a further 100 currently participating, and Victoria led the development of the 2x25 Review, surveying 2,500 people across 68 countries on gender equity in sailing and marine industries.Erna Rusi – CEO, Saxdor Yachts
Erna brings extensive experience in sales, marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship and business leadership. After beginning her career with Nordic telecommunications company Telia and moving into entrepreneurship in 2019, she joined Saxdor in late 2021. During her five years leading the company, Saxdor has experienced significant growth, reaching revenues of €180 million in 2025 and culminating in its acquisition by Malibu Boats Incorporated in March 2026.Guiding the conversation
Returning as compere is Michele Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group and founder of the Women in the Industry programmes.With more than 35 years of experience spanning manufacturing, product development, marketing, sales and marine media, Michele brings extensive industry knowledge to the discussion. A long-standing advocate for innovation and inclusion, she founded the Women in the Industry series of programmes and events and has spearheaded initiatives including “Pitch the Pros” and the “1+1 Mentoring Programme”.
Her contribution to the industry has been recognised with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award and 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award.
Speaking about the event and this year’s panel, Michele Goldsmith commented: “It is hard to believe that this year marks our five year anniversary of the first event specifically focused on women working in the marine industry at Metstrade. This year’s panel is comprised of four brilliant and forward-thinking leaders with very different experiences, perspectives and career journeys. That diversity is exactly what makes these conversations so valuable.
“This year we’re looking firmly to the future: how we attract the next generation of leaders, nurture their talent and create opportunities that develop the leaders our industry will need to thrive in the future. These aren’t challenges for one part of the sector - they matter to every marine business.
“I look forward to celebrating five years of connecting and learning, and I encourage women and men at every stage of their careers to join us with an open mind, ready to listen, learn, make new connections and have some fun. As ever, our goal is to offer new ideas and perspectives that you can implement in your business and life.”
Five Years of Connecting the Global Marine Community
2026 marks the fifth anniversary of Women in the Marine Industry International event at Metstrade, an annual global gathering of the women shaping the marine industry and their allies.Hosted by British Marine, Metstrade, the Soundings Trade Only Group and Marine Industry News, the event has grown into a popular fixture on the Metstrade calendar and the largest event at the Metstrade theatre, providing an informal and welcoming environment to learn from industry leaders, exchange experiences and make valuable connections with peers from around the world.
Women and men at all stages of their careers are encouraged to attend, from those beginning their marine careers and emerging leaders through to experienced professionals and senior executives.
Whether you want to hear different perspectives on developing talent, take ideas back to your own organisation, build your professional network or simply connect with the international marine community, the event offers a valuable start to the Metstrade day.
Event details
Women in the Marine Industry International Panel & Networking Breakfast
- Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
- Time: 08:30 – 10:30 CET
- Venue: Metstrade Stage, RAI Amsterdam
- Complimentary breakfast included
- Free to attend for all registered Metstrade visitors and exhibitors
- All genders are welcome
Register now
Each year this event exceeds capacity so early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Attendance is FREE, but places are limited and advance registration is essential to gain early access to the venue before the show officially opens.Attendees should register via the dedicated Women in the Marine Industry International registration link to secure both their Metstrade entry badge and breakfast place.
Register here: https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/12k0lfjz2410m?actioncode=MET4230
Already registered for Metstrade or an exhibitor?
If you have already registered for your Metstrade show ticket, you will need to register again using the Women in the Marine Industry International panel and networking event link above to secure your place, using the action code: MET4230.Supporting girls' education with Room to Read
Women in the Marine Industry International is also proud to continue its support of Room to Read, a global organisation focused on children’s literacy and girls’ education.This year, supporters are aiming to raise $25,000 to help fund a school, extending the event’s focus on creating opportunities for the next generation beyond the marine industry.
Attendees and the wider marine community are encouraged to get behind the campaign and help reach the fundraising target. Donate here - https://secure.roomtoread.org/page/186427/donate/1
Learn more about Room to Read - www.roomtoread.org/
For the latest updates, follow Women in the Marine Industry International on LinkedIn.
