Date: Tuesday 18 November
Location: Entrance F, Restaurant Harbour 8
Time: 08.00 – 09.30 (breakfast at 08.00)
 Metstrade and ICOMIA are delighted to announce that Cheryl Brown, Managing Director for Le Boat, will be this year's Metstrade Official Opening keynote speaker.
In her opening address, Brown will explore the significant economic value generated by marine tourism and underline the importance of accessible boating experiences for the long-term health and sustainability of the industry.
Cheryl Brown commented: “I am very proud to be speaking at this year’s Metstrade Opening Session. Having worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years, and the marine travel sector for more than 20 years, I am deeply passionate about the growth, development and success of the leisure marine industry, I am looking forward to sharing my insights.
Following the keynote, the briefing will continue with the official awards ceremony of the DAME Design Awards 2025, the pinnacle of design excellence in the industry.
Please note that this event is for exhibitors, press, members of the Young Professionals Club, and VIP-guests only.

Metstrade Official Opening and DAME Design Awards

Metstrade and ICOMIA are set to feature a captivating Q&A session with Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat.
Le Boat is one of the world’s leading charter boat operators, with a fleet of more than 900 self-drive cruisers spanning nine European countries and Canada. For over 50 years, the company has been opening up rivers, lakes, and canals to travellers of all backgrounds—no licence or prior boating experience required. By breaking down barriers to participation, Le Boat has played a key role in broadening the appeal of marine tourism and drawing new audiences into the sector.
In this Q&A led bij editor in chief Ed Slack from IBI,  Cheryl Brown will explore the significant economic value generated by marine tourism and underline the importance of accessible boating experiences for the long-term health and sustainability of the industry. Her presentation is expected to deliver timely and highly relevant insights for professionals across the global marine sector.

Inspiring Q&A with Cheryl Brown, managing Director of Le Boat

The keynote speaker of Metstrade's Official Opening, Cheryl Brown, will visit the Young Professional Club for an open-mic conversation. Don’t miss her insights on the transition for the leisure marine industry to carbon neutrality  which will undoubtedly inspire a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Meet & Greet Key Note Speaker

Cheryl is the Managing Director for Le Boat, part of the Marine Division of Travelopia and owned by KKR.
 She began her career in travel at just 16, rising quickly through the ranks to become Retail Trading Director in 2001 and Managing Director of the First Choice Retail Group in 2004. In 2007 she joined Sunsail as Managing Director and later became COO for TUI Marine, which included The Moorings, Sunsail, Footloose and Le Boat, in Florida. After four years in the sunshine, Cheryl returned to the UK to lead Le Boat, a role she continues to love with passion. Today, she also sits on the Board of Travelopia.
 A passionate boater herself, Cheryl enjoys life on the Thames from her riverside home with her own dock and dayboat. She loves welcoming new customers and watching them grow in confidence on the water, as well as reconnecting with those who return year after year. With over 55 years of experience, Le Boat has grown into the world’s largest self-drive boating company on inland waterways and rivers. Under Cheryl’s leadership, the business has expanded across the Atlantic, opening two bases and launching 32 boats in Ontario, Canada. She also introduced the Horizon fleet in 2016 and most recently unveiled Liberty in 2025, the company’s most luxurious boat to date. Cheryl’s vision inspired the new creative platform We’re on Le Boat, which celebrates the boating community and invites newcomers to discover the freedom of the waterways.
 Today, Le Boat operates the world’s largest fleet of over 900 self-drive boats across more than 33 departure bases in nine destinations. Its holidays offer everything from action-packed adventures to slow-paced escapes. For those who want to cruise more often, the Le Boat Ownership Programme makes it possible to own a Horizon or Liberty boat with none of the hassle while enjoying up to eight weeks of boating each year across its full network.
 She is proud to invite everyone to join the Le Boat community and discover the magic of boating.

Managing Director at Le Boat

Managing Director

Andrew Boswell is the CEO of BlueGrid, a software and data company accelerating marine electrification. Based in Nova Scotia, Canada, and active across North America and Europe, BlueGrid delivers AI-enabled intelligence for vessel and electric grid operators to optimize the financial and environmental benefits - from planning through operations. He brings an entrepreneurial mindset and global experience shaped by senior leadership roles in international firms, startups, and a range of volunteer roles.

Promoting composites and organizing the leading global event of composite materials every year in Paris, JEC World

President

Technical Manager

CEO & Co-Founder

I’m a professional sailor with global experience across race boats and luxury yachts, dedicated to delivering excellence in operations, teamwork, and leadership at sea. Most recently, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a crew of 22 amateur sailors around the world in the Clipper 2023–2024 Race, an experience that tested and strengthened every aspect of seamanship and resilience. My connection to the ocean began in Mallorca, where I spent summers on a small family speedboat and earned my first powerboat certification at 16. Later, in Southampton, I discovered my passion for sailing through weekend regattas on dinghies and keelboats. My love for exploration has also taken me far beyond the water including a four-month motorcycle journey from London to Vladivostok. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the rewards and challenges of life at sea, and inspired my commitment to improving crew wellbeing worldwide

Founder of HAVN

Ben Stein is editor of Panbo.com covering marine technology. He also writes a monthly Getting Technical column for Soundings Trade Only and serves as electronics editor for Power & Motoryacht. Stein chairs the NMMA’s Innovation awards at IBEX and co-chairs the awards at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. Additionally he is a member of DAME design awards jury at Metstrade. After 15 years in financial services technology, he left the corporate world to pursue his passion in boating. Stein is the current president of Boating Writers International, a USCG 100-Ton Master, and ABYC certified marine electrical technician.

Editor at Panbo.com

Andrea Tagliaferro is the founder of Yacht Femme, a platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the yachting industry. She also serves as Marketing Director at Navier, a maritime technology company pioneering ultra-efficient hybrid and all-electric hydrofoiling vessels.
Andrea began her career as an architect, earning a Master’s in Interior Design in Venezuela, before moving to the U.S. and transitioning into yacht design. She later pivoted to digital marketing, serving as Marketing Director at VaynerMedia with Gary Vaynerchuk and then at Jim McKelvey’s tech startup, Invisibly, where she built and led the marketing department from the ground up.
Returning to yachting, Andrea reactivated and expanded her platform Yacht Femme, launched the first awards recognizing women in the industry, and organized a variety of initiatives—from forums to networking events—aimed at elevating female professionals and increasing their visibility in the field.

Yacht designer and Founder

Michael Short is Vice President of Marketing Operations and Residential at Crestron, a global leader in AV, control, and automation technology. With over 15 years of strategic marketing leadership, Michael oversees global marketing operations across product, PR, digital, and marketing systems—ensuring consistent brand execution and measurable impact across international markets.
He also leads Crestron’s residential marketing division, driving adoption of Crestron solutions and supporting growth across key verticals including hospitality, design-build, and marine. His continued leadership in the Marine Channel has helped establish Crestron as the AV and control technology leader in the superyacht sector, delivering innovative onboard experiences and integrated control solutions.
Michael’s career spans both large corporate environments and agile start-ups, where he has built and led high-performing teams through periods of rapid growth and transformation.

Vice President Global Marketing Operations & Residential

Co-Vice Chair

A writer, photographer and video presenter with 35 years experience in the superyacht industry, Justin Ratcliffe is known for his professional, no-nonsense journalism that informs the reader while offering genuine insight into the people and processes at hand. He is currently Editor of the technical magazine How to Build It and Associate Editor of Superyacht Times.

Editor How to Build It Magazine

I started my career in sound post-production studios in London and Paris before joining Trinnov Audio in 2010. Driven by a lifelong passion for sound, I’ve since worked closely with Trinnov’s teams and partners to develop products and solutions used in studios, high-end home audio, and commercial cinemas worldwide. Today, I lead Trinnov’s global sales and product development, helping advance how we understand and experience sound.

Sales Director

Rupert Robinson is a strategic architect with three decades of experience designing sustainable-finance mechanisms that drive systemic transition across entire value chains. He structures blended-finance vehicles and carbon-market frameworks that mobilize public, private, and philanthropic capital to fund large-scale decarbonization.
A former senior leader at Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) and RSBG SE, Rupert designed transition funds and national-level impact vehicles aligning institutional and DFI capital behind coordinated climate strategies.
A recognized pioneer of Micro-Carbon Financing, he creates mechanisms that transform everyday operations into perpetual climate-finance flows. His work spans infrastructure, real estate, sports and entertainment, marine logistics, and industrial transition—embedding financing directly into commercial systems to make sustainability self-funding.
As an Independent Sustainable-Finance Lead, Rupert now advises governments, investors, and industry coalitions on catalytic instruments, blended-finance frameworks, and outcome-linked models that make systemic transition both investable and enduring.

Finance Strategist

President IEMA

Andrea Tetto – Director, Marine Business Planning, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit Driving Yamaha’s strategic marine operations, with expertise in market intelligence and operational resilience.

Director Marine Planning

Kevin M. Williams is a dynamic leader in the recreational boating industry, driving innovative B2B and B2C marketing strategies as the Vice President of North American Marketing for the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Discover Boating consumer brand across the U.S. and Canada. He leads the development of cutting-edge, data-driven campaigns that meet the evolving needs of both consumers and businesses. Kevin plays a pivotal role in expanding the boating sector by empowering association members and forging deeper emotional connections with traditional, next-generation, and diverse consumer segments, all while promoting the vibrant boating lifestyle.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity, Kevin also serves as a board member for Together Outdoors, where he champions efforts to make recreational activities more welcoming to all communities.
Before joining NMMA, Kevin was the Head of Multicultural Marketing and Diversity & Inclusion for BMW of North America, LLC., where he spearheaded campaigns for BMW, MINI Cooper, and BMW Motorrad, while leading diversity initiatives that advanced the company’s supplier diversity and HR strategies. His earlier experience as Executive Vice President at Matlock Advertising & PR saw him elevate BMW’s multicultural marketing efforts and play a key role in securing and managing the MINI USA account.
Kevin's expertise in cultural marketing also includes his tenure at GlobalHue, the largest multicultural agency in the U.S. at the time, where he crafted impactful strategies for clients like Bermuda Tourism and secured a $30 million investment from Verizon Wireless to launch the “How Sweet the Sound” gospel music tour.
Rooted in a lifelong fascination with brand strategy, Kevin’s career began after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Illinois, Champaign. His early roles at Eastern Airlines and Coca-Cola, where he helped brand Olympic Games properties, laid the foundation for his future marketing leadership.

Vice President, North American Marketing

Henk de Vries was born in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands in 1958. After high school he studied business economics at the VU Amsterdam, following which he worked as business consultant in various sectors. He joined Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw and Feadship in 1987 as sales manager and became director/shareholder in 1996. Together with cousin Tom de Vries and later joined by Rob and Roderick de Vries they expanded the family business to its current size, with seven operating companies and over 1200 employees. 
 De Vries still is a completely family-owned company and owns 50% of Feadship. Henk retired in April 2025 as CEO. Henk is now a member of the supervisory board and remains an ambassador for Feadship.
 In 1998 Henk was Co-Founder and chairman of the Board of the Water Revolution Foundation. The Water Revolution Foundation is the first independent, international, science-driven, non-profit organization started from with the superyacht industry that is taking the lead to neutralize its ecological footprint and preserve the world’s precious  oceans.
 Henk lives in Amsterdam with his wife and has a son.

Former Feadship Director/ CEO Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw

As the Executive Director of the Superyacht Life Foundation, I lead global marketing and communication initiatives that shape the perception of the superyacht industry, fostering awareness, growth, and positive recognition worldwide. With an MSc in Marketing & Communications and over ten years of experience across the luxury, hospitality, and technology sectors, I design and execute strategies that unite creativity with purpose — translating complex industry narratives into impactful campaigns. My background in brand positioning, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement enables me to connect diverse audiences, align global partners, and amplify a shared vision. Having lived in four countries and six cities, I bring a global mindset and cultural fluency essential for driving marketing efforts that resonate across borders and industries.

Executive Director

With a master’s degree in human resource management and a member of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development, Alice brings over 15 years of experience in the yachting industry to crew HR operations, having worked for a leading yacht crew association, for yacht management companies, and in shoreside HR roles in France and the UK. She is committed to delivering seamless HR services and support to crew, addressing crew welfare and safety at sea, along with professional development and leadership requirements. She believes that the yachting industry can strongly benefit from insights and tools from a wider HR perspective.

Crew HR Manager

Technical Director

Torsten Steinbrecher, Founder and CEO of Qualtron was born in Berlin in 1964. Torsten is married with one son to Jenny Steinbrecher, who also plays an important role in Qualtron as Managing Director.
Throughout his extensive career Torsten has enjoyed management roles in some of the biggest names in the industry. His passion, flair and attention to detail inspires his dedicated team to meet the challenges of the Marine AV market, where ultra-high net worth individuals demand the highest standards of performance and aesthetic appeal.
His technical prowess, tact and discretion make him an ideal partner in complex projects, where bespoke solutions are required. Torsten’s visionary approach merges technical expertise with an appreciation for aesthetics empowering him to meet or exceed the high expectations of his clientele.
The growing market for private cinema on board yachts brings unique opportunities to excel. Sophisticated technologies meet interior design to create the perfect AV solution in the most challenging environment. Torsten’s commitment to bringing the owner’s vision to life, leads his team to achieve the highest standards, where excellence comes as standard.
Hobbies and interests include sailing and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Baltic Sea. He is also a member of the Lions Club International, supporting community projects and causes.

Founder & Managing Partner

Editorial Director

Meg Reilly is a circumnavigator and sustainability leader who blends expertise in communications, leadership, and sport diplomacy to drive global impact. She left her Madison Avenue career to pursue her dream of circumnavigating the globe in the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World Race — and won. Today, she helps international brands, events, governments and NGOs build sustainable strategies and inclusive communities, drawing on her MBA from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Meg currently serves as the Marketing Chair for the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, and leads global sustainability projects across the industry with consulting agency Foxall Munro.

Project Development

Sylvie Ernoult – Show Director, Cannes Yachting Festival Celebrating her final year leading one of the world’s premier yachting showcases, Sylvie has shaped the international stage for luxury and performance brands.Sylvie Ernoult – Show Director, Cannes Yachting Festival Celebrating her final year leading one of the world’s premier yachting showcases, Sylvie has shaped the international stage for luxury and performance brands.

Show Director

Marina Palumbo Cardella is Project and Policy Officer at the European Boating Industry (EBI), where she leads work on circular economy and sustainability across the recreational boating sector. Her activities focus on key topics such as end-of-life management of boats, the recycling and reuse of composite materials, and the development of circular business models within the industry. She follows EBI’s work in relevant expert groups and EU-funded projects, including initiatives that promote green skills, new materials and sustainable practices in boatbuilding. Being a sailor herself, and passionate about the maritime industry and European cooperation, Marina works to strengthen the sector’s voice in EU policymaking and foster collaboration across industry and institutions.

Project and Policy Officer

Ollie has over 15 years experience working with leading brands in the marine industry, specialising in the development of products that minimize environmental impact.
A sustainability strategist, LCA practitioner, and impact-oriented problem solver, Ollie’s journey in marine innovation is driven by a passion for challenging the status quo and uncovering solutions that truly reduce the marine industries impact.
Since 2022, Ollie has led the MarineShift360 project, delivering lifecycle assessments across a wide spectrum of marine products, offering clients insights that translate into real-world, low-impact solutions.
Ollie founded Marine Futures in 2024 to make a measurable difference in the marine industry, uniting his comprehensive understanding of product development with a commitment to sustainable progress.

Director

Having grown up by the Mediterranean Sea, Guillaume has always been an avid sailor, enjoying both competitive sailing and holiday trips with his children and wife on the family sailboat. After studying business administration in Europe, the US and Japan, he joined the Ford Motor Company where he held positions in Sales, Finance, Marketing and Business Development in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, managing teams globally. He then founded his own consulting firms, first in New Caledonia and then in Switzerland, with a focus on business development and restructuring businesses across a variety of industries, including cleantech and waste management. His passion for sailing, his extensive network in the nautical industry, and his awareness of the lack of a viable solution for recycling the fiberglass hulls of end-of-life sailboats led him to co-found Composite Recycling in 2021.

Co-Founder

Niels Klarenbeek has managed the METSTRADE team since early 2020, overseeing the strategy and growth of the world’s leading B2B event for the recreational marine industry.
He also serves as President of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), where he promotes an agenda focused on making boat shows more inclusive, sustainable and engaging.

Director Metstrade | President IFBSO

Founder

For the past 4 years, Ishika has specialized in managing yacht crew & day-to-day yacht operations. Her expertise lies in recruitment, training, & team leadership, creating an environment where both crew and guests thrive.

Yacht and Crew Manager

PhD candidate

Alasdair Reay is the CEO of HPI Verification Services Ltd., a notified body appointed by the European Commission to certify under the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) & Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). The company has been recording boat compliance details in their own 'CEproof' software for thirty years. This represents a treasure trove of data for mining by anyone who has need of it.
Reay, a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in UK, began his career with Lloyds Register and after a brief spell with ABS, moved into small craft compliance. Reay is the author of the award-winning CEproof software, sits on numerous ISO and ABYC standards committees.

Tanja Lutz is an experienced Director at Seakeeper, a leading manufacturer of stabilization systems for boats and yachts. She has been with Seakeeper for over 11 years and is responsible for Sales and Service for the EMEA region.
Before joining Seakeeper, she worked as a Distributor for Azimut Yachts and Seakeeper in the Balearic Islands, Spain.
She leads a dedicated and high-performing team that increases customer satisfaction and Seakeeper's brand value. With a marketing background and language skills in Spanish, English, Italian, and French, she develops effective strategies to enter new markets and retain existing customers.
Her passion for marine life and deep understanding of the needs of boat owners and operators enable her to offer innovative and customized solutions that increase comfort and safety on board. She is motivated to realize Seakeeper's vision and mission by providing high-quality products and services that enhance the experience on the water.
She studied Tourist Business Management and Marketing Consultant Management. After living for 18 years in Spain, she now resides in Flensburg, Northern Germany, and in Liguria, Italy.

Director of Sales & Service EMEA

Thins 30 years extrem sailor, thins 2003 IMOCA Open60 Skipper, two times Vendee Globe, several more extrem sailing projects and thins 2009 company owner to develop composite materials which are fully sustainable and recyclabel.

Maciej Rynkiewicz has been a Standards Developer for ABYC since 2019. An integral member of the ABYC Standards and Compliance Department, Maciej works directly with the Project Technical Committees (PTCs) responsible for creating and updating the ABYC standards. Maciej is also a member of ISO/TC 188 where he is working on ISO electrical standards. He also manages hands-on testing to see what can go right, and wrong, with boat electrical systems. A long-time boater, Maciej is a Certified Marine Technician with credentials from ABYC, NMEA, and Abaris as well as a skipper and certified sailing instructor.

Standards Developer

Ellen Bradley serves as Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade group for recreational boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in the U.S. who drive more than $230 billion in annual economic impact and support an estimated 100 million Americans who go boating each year.
 Ellen is responsible for the NMMA brand, deploying marketing and communications strategies that continuously elevate the association’s voice and reputation as the leader in connecting the recreational boating industry with policy makers, boating consumers and stakeholders.
 Ellen oversees NMMA’s market expansion work through Discover Boating, helping welcome more people to enjoy the benefits of life on the water and fueling a commitment for doing so in an increasingly sustainable way. Recently, Ellen led the team in revitalizing the industry’s Discover Boating brand with a new visual identity and omni-channel strategy, resulting in the launch of the successful “See You Out Here” campaign, attracting more than 6 million next generation and current boaters to the Discover Boating community and connecting nearly 2 million of them with boat manufacturers and dealers to explore boat ownership. In under two years, the new strategy resulted in Discover Boating moving from a $6-7 million six-month marketing campaign to a year-round brand experience valued at nearly $30 million. In 2024, Ellen and her team were the architects behind the global marine industry’s Propelling Our Future education campaign on behalf of more than 50 marine industry trade associations worldwide. The campaign harmonized global boating industry stakeholders, bringing one voice and successfully educating policy makers and boating consumers on the portfolio of propulsion technologies shaping the industry’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
 Additionally, Ellen leads NMMA Business Intelligence, the association’s strategic data science and research that powers the industry’s most comprehensive insights. As the hub for industry, consumer and economic data and trends, NMMA Business Intelligence shapes some of the most important decisions in recreational boating. Prior to becoming Chief Brand Officer, Ellen rose within NMMA from Vice President of Marketing Communications to Chief Communications Officer. Ellen took on these roles after joining NMMA from Harpo, Inc., where she drove communications for Oprah Winfrey’s entertainment properties and foundation. Earlier in her career she held strategic communications and brand marketing positions on both the agency and client-side including representing entertainment and consumer brands, government agencies, and trade associations spanning Hilton Hotels, the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Coca-Cola, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 
Ellen has been recognized by PRWeek as a Woman of Distinction (2024), Boating Industry Magazine Woman Making Waves (2019), Boating Industry Magazine 40 Under 40 (2007, 2017) and Association Forum, 40 under 40 (2015). She currently serves on the boards of directors for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and Chicago-based A Giving Heart Foundation and is a member of Step-Up Women’s Network, a non-profit mentoring program for young girls. Ellen graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children and can be found boating on Lake Michigan during the city’s beloved summer months and going for long runs along its beautiful lakefront trails.

Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Editor in Chief

My role at Trinnov is Technical Sales Manager for Europe. I specialise in our High-End product range of Home Cinema and HiFi Processors. I work with our distributors to grow their business by providing; staff and dealer training, calibration assistance, first line technical support.

Technical Sales Manager

Founder and CEO of Boatscribe, a global yacht rental metasearch engine, and FleetRank, a fleet analytics and dynamic pricing platform. His work bridges technology and yachting, helping the industry become more transparent and efficient.

Founder & CEO at Boatscribe

Áine Denari serves as Executive Vice President and President of Navico Group, and Chief Technology Officer for Brunswick Corporation, dual roles that she has held since 2024. Her Navico Group responsibilities include leading numerous industry-leading brands that serve the marine, RV, specialty vehicle and industrial markets. Some of the many brands that make up Navico Group include: Attwood, B&G, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP, Lenco, Lowrance, Mastervolt, RELiON, Simrad and Whale. In her CTO role, she is responsible for advancing Brunswick’s technology strategy, including ACES, Boating Intelligence and maintaining Brunswick’s position of technology leadership in the marine industry.
Denari was previously President, Brunswick Boat Group from 2020 to 2024, where she had responsibility for the largest global boat portfolio in the recreational marine industry, which consists of 18 boat brands globally.
Prior to joining Brunswick, Áine spent 25 years in a variety of executive positions within the automotive and industrial industries, as well as in leadership positions at major global consulting firms.  From 2014 to 2020, Áine was Senior Vice President at ZF AG, a global automotive Tier 1 supplier, where she most recently led the Automated Driving / Advanced Driver Assistance Systems business. Previously, Áine worked in strategy consulting in Europe and the US with consulting firms McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company, and spent time in various engineering and strategy roles with Ford Motor Company and Ingersoll Rand.
Outside of her role at Brunswick, Áine currently serves on the Board of Directors of Masco Corporation, a global manufacturer of products for the home improvement and new home construction markets; Áine is also an NMMA Executive board member.
Áine holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, completed the Stanford Executive Program, holds Advanced Engineering degrees from Purdue University and University of Detroit Mercy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College in Dublin in Ireland.

President, Navico Group and Brunswick Chief Technology Officer

Content Director

Director of Sustainability

Fabio Bignolini is the Co-Founder and CEO of nlcomp®, an Italian cleantech startup developing recyclable composite materials for the marine industry. A lifelong sailor, Fabio helped create rComposite®, a thermoplastic-based technology enabling circularity in high-performance products. Under his leadership, nlcomp® has launched award-winning sustainable boats like the ecoracer prototypes and the Grand Soleil Blue for Cantiere del Pardo, earning recognition from World Sailing, European Yacht of The Year and the Boat Builder Awards.

Co-Founder and CEO

Clay Crabtree is the Senior Director of Public Policy for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and serves as Co-Lead of the Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Team, where he coordinates advocacy on issues central to the recreational marine industry, including manufacturing, innovation, international trade and tariffs, tax policy, and environmental protection. With nearly 15 years of policymaking experience across Congress, federal agencies, and industry, he works closely with the industry to maintain a forward-looking advocacy strategy, ensuring consistency between federal, state, and global policies. He has been at the forefront of industry efforts to anticipate and address legislative and regulatory challenges, representing NMMA in Washington, D.C., California, and internationally on trade and environmental policy. Appointed by the U.S. Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, he also advises on public-private partnerships that strengthen recreational boating in the U.S.

Senior Director of Public Policy for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

Gary Reich is the editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only. A former liveaboard sailor, he has worked in the marine industry for 35 years, with 25 years spent in marine publishing for titles such as Waterway Guide, Soundings magazine, Anglers Journal, Power & Motoryacht and others. He lives in Annapolis, Md., the "sailing capital" of the United States.

Editor-in-Chief

Corporate Communication manager

Senior Researcher

Marketing and Sales Manager

Christophe Bourillon has been the CEO of the PYA since 2021. He has 30 years of experience in senior management, public affairs, and crisis communication at the national and international levels. He has founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe. He has also driven other organisations through major transformations, including the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels Association and the World Federation of Science Journalists.
 
He has managed government relations campaigns for the oil and gas, nuclear, and other industries. As an accredited expert to the United Nations, he participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on Climate Change for more than 15 years

Director International Partnerships

Cindy is the CEO and Founder of Floatist, a software company helping fleet operators around the world. With her skills as software engineer, her 5+ years of experience as a skipper and her vision for Floatist she set out to solve the many challenges yacht charter operators face on a day to day basis.

Co-Founder / CEO

Peter Wallbank is the Co-Founder and Technical Director of August Race Group, a UK-based manufacturer of premium marine surface-care and protection systems established in 2013. With nearly three decades of experience in the chemical industry, he specialises in bespoke formulation development for high-performance and environmentally responsible cleaning technologies.
Peter is an active Member of the Nautical Institute and serves on the ICOMIA Sustainability Committee, contributing to international dialogue on sustainable product standards and responsible practices within the global leisure marine sector.

Co Founder and Group Technical Director

With deep expertise in marine propulsion and vibration control, Gian Piero brings a wealth of experience in improving onboard comfort and efficiency. He’ll share insights on how innovation in mechanical systems can support the transition to quieter, cleaner, and more efficient electric vessels.

Nick Bigeau’s hands-on experience from over 18 years of boatbuilding and aerospace gives him a unique perspective as founder and CTO for the Canadian cleantech startup Resolve Composites. Having a deep passion for the understanding of materials and their use, Nick has acquired an extensive knowledge of end-of-life reuse possibilities with innovative resins and recycling technologies. This material exploration has led him to invent a novel recycling method for composite materials (ReceTT). In a cross-industry collaboration with Siemens Gamesa, Resolve Composites were able to downstream material from wind turbine blade to boat, validating the potential of their ReceTT technology.

Founder and CTO

Scott Berry is the Vice President of Engineering Standards for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) with more than 24 years of experience in the recreational marine industry. With the association since 2018, Scott manages the NMMA certification programs, domestic and international standards development, risk management publications and technical support. He currently serves on the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Tech Board, numerous project technical committees, and as Chair of the Thermal Appliance PTC, in addition to serving on various International Organization for Standardization (ISO) working groups and the Board of Directors of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI).

Vice President of Engineering Standards

Philip Easthill is the Secretary-General of European Boating Industry (EBI), which represents the European recreational boating and nautical tourism industry. The mission of the association is to advance and represent a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry #MadeInEurope. Key topics that EBI is working on at a policy level and in cooperation with its members are sustainability, circular economy, tourism, taxation, qualifications, access to finance, and international trade.
He has been in the position since September 2019 and previously worked in Public Affairs and Regulatory Affairs at EU level. With an academic background in Politics and Business Management, he is also an avid sailor and worked in the nautical tourism industry previously. Philip Easthill represents the industry towards the EU institutions, as well as in high-level fora and Expert Groups relevant for the sector.

Secretary General

Eric serves as President and CEO of IMTRA Corporation, a leading manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets. Eric joined New Bedford, MA-based IMTRA in 1988 and served in roles in product management, marketing and operations before being appointed COO in 2012 and CEO in 2014. Eric was responsible for engineering the employee-led/ESOP buyout of IMTRA which is now a 100% employee-owned company.
Eric is active in marine industry governance through his role as a board member and incoming chair of the audit committee of the National Marine Manufacturers. He also acts as the state captain for Massachusetts for the ESOP Association’s New England Chapter. A lifelong boater, Eric grew up sailing on the waters of Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. He attended Westminster School (Simsbury, CT) and graduated from Bates College (Lewiston, ME) with a BA in Mathematics. Eric is very active in his community with a focus on philanthropic activities including his role as Trustee of the Braitmayer Foundation. He lives in Fairhaven, MA and is an active golfer, boater and tennis enthusiast.

President and CEO of IMTRA Corporation

Owner

Jochen grew up at the Ammersee (Lake Ammer), Germany’s sixth largest lake, located southwest of Munich. Sailing dinghies and participating in all types of water sports quickly became some of his main hobbies from an early age.
As a young adult he acquired an engineering degree in wood technology (Dipl. Ing. (Fh)) from the University of Applied Sciences in Rosenheim. To further round out his academic career he achieved a Masters Degree of Science at Oregon State University with a focus on production management and strategic marketing.
With degrees in hand he worked for a good decade as a consultant in the automotive and marine industry for two boutique consulting firms located in Munich. The various and international projects mainly in the field of development, production and quality has truly given him a broad view across industries. His passion for boats and the marine industry lead him to the position of product manager for sailing yachts at Bavaria Yachts. He became VP quality and later SVP product development and global service at Torqeedo, the world leader in electric boat propulsion.
Today Jochen is working as a marine consultant in partnership with Seaman Consultants.

Marine Consultant

Electronic Engineer and MBA, cofounder of Videoworks and Itworks; dealing with innovation projects about AI (ML/generative), UX and SDN

CEO/CTO

Laura is a former superyacht Purser, with shoreside experience in yacht management, refit, and construction across Europe. After completing a master’s degree in psychology, she joined the ISWAN team in January 2025 as Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, focusing on the development and delivery of collaborative, cross-industry projects addressing key health, safety, and wellbeing issues faced by crew. ISWAN is Secretariat and Project Manager for Changing Tack, the crew welfare think tank under the Superyacht Alliance.

Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager

Programme Director

Craig Fenton is a business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a 20-year career at the forefront of technology, media, and innovation. He is the Founder & CEO of Fenton Innovation (Fi), a company specializing in AI automation solutions for enterprise, including AI suites for Private Capital, Travel & Tourism, Marine and an entire Agentic Executive Team which is industry agnostic.
 Prior to founding Fenton Innovation, Craig was the COO of Google UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Managing Director of Accenture’s TMT division across EMEA and LATAM, and more recently, CEO of New Zealand Rugby Commercial, leading the business of the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and other national teams.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Craig is an author, angel investor, and founder of a record label dedicated to giving creatives from underprivileged backgrounds a platform in music. In 2023, he was honored as UK New Zealander of the Year.  He now splits his time between New Zealand and Europe, helping businesses harness AI for growth and efficiency.
<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NMPfkjTbE8VUYxW9fKQrPuLEbLmAXylXYMk6and0BdU/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.274nkp2bfi6r">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NMPfkjTbE8VUYxW9fKQrPuLEbLmAXylXYMk6and0BdU/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.274nkp2bfi6r</a>

Founder & CEO

Loris has been a driving force at GREENBOATS for over five years, beginning his career as a Boatbuilder and quickly transitioning into a Business Developer role.
His expertise spans a broad range of demanding projects, from custom applications within the yachting industry to high-performance manufactoring for IMOCA Offshore racing. In these roles, he was instrumental in the successful integration of sustainable natural fibers into structural components.
Today, Loris leverages this comprehensive knowledge to consult with clients across various industries, beyond the maritime sector. His primary focus is on demonstrating practical and effective ways for these businesses to integrate natural fibers into their own products, successfully combining high performance with sustainability.

Boatbuilder/Business Developer

Tijmen Hennekes is a project manager specialising in sustainable forest management, responsible procurement, and resource efficiency. His work centres on helping businesses strengthen performance and resilience through more sustainable and transparent timber supply chains. With experience across tropical forest regions and international trade, Tijmen brings a balanced understanding of how environmental and commercial objectives can reinforce one another.
In the superyacht industry, these insights are increasingly relevant. Tijmen explores how shipyards, designers, and owners can make informed material choices that support credible sustainability goals while maintaining the craftsmanship and quality the sector is known for.
His approach is practical and collaborative, encouraging dialogue between industries that share a stake in responsible resource use. By connecting forest management realities with business strategy, Tijmen highlights how sustainability can enhance trust, reduce risk, and create long-term value across global supply chains.

Project Manager Tropical Forests

Peter Byford is the Chief Technical Officer at RAD Propulsion, where he leads all technical aspects of product development and oversees the execution of complex engineering projects.
Since joining RAD, Peter has played a key role in the design and development of the company’s full range of innovative electric propulsion systems, helping to position RAD at the forefront of sustainable marine technology.
Prior to joining RAD Propulsion, Peter was Head of Electrical Systems at L3Harris Technologies, where he led the design and delivery of advanced marine robotic systems. Earlier in his career, he gained extensive experience in the automotive sector, working with several major OEMs and race teams. He also spent over a decade in web development and online database systems, delivering digital solutions for blue-chip clients.
Peter holds a first-class degree in Automotive Engineering and brings a combination of technical depth, cross-industry experience, and leadership to his role.
https://brandfolder.com/s/tzksggvms7c5vrmq84q795x

CTO at RAD Propulsion

Lucy Greenhill is a seasoned leader in the travel, lifestyle and entertainment industries, with a 15-year track record of building, scaling and transforming brands, including leadership roles at Bundl (Ticketmaster's travel packaging partner), Day 8 Experiences (The Yacht Week), and Ibiza Rocks - driving strategy, commercial growth and operational excellence across multiple global markets.
As Chief Operating Officer at Bundl, she led major international expansion and forged partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands. Previously, as Commercial Director at Day 8 Experiences, Lucy oversaw product innovation, revenue growth and global team leadership across a portfolio of travel and event brands. Earlier in her career, she built the Ibiza Rocks travel division from scratch into one of Europe’s largest youth travel operators - setting new benchmarks in the industry along the way.
Lucy brings deep expertise in strategic leadership, operational scale-up and commercial strategy - paired with a strong background in yachting holidays and hospitality.
Now, as Co-Founder of Nautica Collective, she’s applying that experience to reshape modern yacht travel. Driven by a passion to create something different, Nautica blends comfort with connection, and curated adventure with a community-first spirit - offering a new kind of sailing experience for today’s traveller.

Co - Founder of Nautica Collective

Aaron Porter is the editor of Professional BoatBuilder magazine produced by IBEX in Brooklin, Maine. He worked as a professional sailor, rigger, and newspaper journalist before joining the ProBoat editorial team in 2005. He has served on the ABYC board and advisory committees for boatbuilding industry training and education programs and is a regular host and moderator for educational seminars at IBEX and Metstrade.

Editor

A recreational craft professional for over 40 years, Craig has proven hands on knowledge of global standards, the engineering, manufacturing, and compliance requirements. Skilled in leadership and collaboration in both domestic and international committees, Craig demonstrates a thorough understanding of how the standards and certification processes work and have evolved over time. For over three decades, Craig has served the marine industry in multiple roles, including VP, Director, Chairperson, Convener, Expert and Member of executive committees, technical committees and boards. Craig holds a Master’s Compliance Specialist Certification from Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and is an ABYC Master Technician. He is the current Chairperson of ISO TC 188 standards for small craft and is the VP of Standards and Compliance for the ABYC.

Vice President, Standard and Compliance

Marie‑France MacKinnon is the Executive Director of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada, the voice of the country’s recreational boating industry. She leads the association’s strategic direction, public affairs, and government relations work, with a particular focus on advancing market access, industry competitiveness, and regulatory modernization.
A seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and advocacy, Marie‑France has held senior leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining NMMA in 2023, she was Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at the Canadian Meat Council, where she secured landmark federal policy wins that reshaped agri-food workforce and immigration strategies.
Fluent in both official languages and based in Ottawa, Marie‑France is widely recognized for her results-driven approach, coalition building, and ability to influence public policy on behalf of Canada’s business and trade sectors.

Executive Director, NMMA Canada

Chairman & Editor in Chief

Luigi is senior project manager in the Ships department (Division Yachts) at MARIN. He graduated with a MSC Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from University Federico II of Naples (Italy) in 2012, and has been working in the Netherlands at MARIN since 2013 as a project manager concerning powering and seakeeping aspects (involving design advice, hull form optimization, performance predictions with CFD and/or model testing). Luigi has a deep interest into the ship design from a multidisciplinary point of view and into the possibilities of continuous integration of innovations in the ship design itself. Most of the free time is still spent in the water with watersports such as kitesurf, kitefoiling and sailing.

Senior Project Manager

Director IAMI GUEST

Co-founder

Matthew Zimmerman is CEO of <a href="https://www.farsounder.com">FarSounder</a>. He founded the company more than 24 years ago. Since its inception, he has driven the technical development and vision of FarSounder. His focus is on growing the company’s reach and developing an expert design and implementation team capable of translating customer needs into best-in-class commercial products. He has a passion for marine safety and for the sustainability of the ocean ecosystems. With these goals in mind, he leads the FarSounder team in the effort to create safer oceans by enabling FarSounder users to contribute to Citizen Science initiatives including whale conservation, ocean trash mapping, and crowdsourced bathymetry and through participating in the Whale and Vessel Safety Taskforce and in the IHO’s Crowd-Sourced Bathymetry Working Group (CSBWG).

Marcus Warrelmann is the CEO of SEA.AI, recognized for his strategic leadership in business scaling. With a mechanical engineering background from Deutsche Bahn, he has successfully grown Automotive Electronics business from scratch to over 1 billion euros in revenue. His previous roles include Chief Sales Officer at Joyson Safety Systems and Managing Director of Flex Automotive GmbH.

CEO Sea.AI

Gabbi is the founder of Yachting Ventures, a global growth platform supporting startups in leisure marine with community, marketing and events. Prior to launching Yachting Ventures, Gabbi worked at a VC-backed tech startup in London, where she collaborated closely with startup accelerators and investors to automate the fundraising process. She is also a UK-qualified lawyer having trained at a maritime law firm in London.

Raphaël Pleynet has more than 30 years of experience in the global composites and technical textiles industries, gained through senior management roles in international business. He holds a master's degree in Marketing and Management. 
He is the Managing Director of the European Composites Industry Association (https://eucia.eu/), which represents European national composites associations and industry-specific sector groups at EU level. In this role his responsibilities include directing EuCIA’s day-to-day operations, developing strategic partnerships and initiatives, and uniting the expertise of EuCIA’s members to support the sustainable growth of the European composites industry.
EuCIA :
We support the sustainable growth of the European composites industry and promote the development of a flourishing business environment, taking advantage of the combined expertise of our members.
We have developed the Eco-Impact Calculator in 2016.   A dedicate tool Cradle to gate for Composite materials.   We update it regularly. Last one was in April 2023.

Marine and Industry manager

Chair, Vice President, Environmental Compliance & Marine Technology

President CTN

With over 25 years of experience managing luxury yachts, supporting new-build projects, and overseeing procurement and operations for UHNW families, Katy Jeffcoate has seen how fragmented systems and lost information make managing inventories inefficient, costly, and increasingly complex. That experience led her to start building IntusHQ to address a problem she knew needed solving.
As IntusHQ evolves, it is clear that the global transfer of wealth and the rise of tech-native family offices are reshaping expectations. Katy recognised the need for a smarter, more connected way to manage inventory, whether across estates and yachts or within personal collections of art, cars, or jewellery. IntusHQ is being built to meet that need, providing clarity and control for families, collectors, and their teams as they manage assets of every scale.

Founder of IntusHQ

Michele J. Goldsmith is Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, a leading B2B media brand serving the marine industry, and group publisher of Soundings Trade Only and Soundings publications. With more than 30 years of experience spanning manufacturing, product development, and marketing and sales in both OEM and aftermarket markets, Michele brings deep expertise and insight to many facets of the industry. Her influence extends well beyond her role in media. Michele has served on several key industry boards, including the NMMA, Grow Boating, PAC, and ABYC’s technical board of directors. A champion of innovation and inclusion, she is the founder of the Women in the Industry series of programs and events, has spearheaded initiatives such as “Pitch the Pros,” “Women in the Industry,” and the “1+1 Mentoring Program.” She has been recognized and honored with the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award and the 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award for her impact and leadership. A lifelong creative and former professional athlete, Michele brings energy, artistry, and a global perspective to everything she does on land or water.

Vice President and General Manager

Frank Hugelmeyer is president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade group for recreational boating and the largest producer of boat shows in North America. He’s the board chair and a founding member of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, the Washington D.C.-based coalition of America’s leading outdoor recreation trade organizations, and vice-chair of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations.
Frank has more than 35 years of senior executive experience in the global sporting goods, outdoor recreation, and association management sectors. He’s worked as the chief executive at three of America’s most influential outdoor trade groups and as an executive for leading manufacturers and NYC’s oldest sporting goods retailer.
Prior to joining NMMA in 2019, Frank was president at RV Industry Association and Go RVing. Before that, he was the longtime CEO of Outdoor Industry Association where he led the renowned campaign that defined the economic importance of the $1 trillion outdoor recreation industry for the first time in our nation’s history. He’s also known for joining forces with Utah Governor, Gary Herbert, to establish the country’s first state office of outdoor recreation.
His unique career journey has enabled him to collaborate with the world’s leading outdoor public companies, consumer brands and retailers, a list that includes Nike, VF, Patagonia, Bass Pro, REI, Thor Industries and Winnebago, along with pinnacle marine brands like Brunswick, Yamaha, Polaris among many others.

President and CEO

VP International & Marine Sales

Tenair

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