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With a degree in Mechanical Engineering in Rome (Italy) and a Master from Southampton (UK) University's Yacht & Small Craft course, in 2011 Matteo began his career in The Netherlands where he worked with key superyacht shipbuilders as Naval Architect and Project Manager. In 2015, he moved to the UK and joined a leading international naval architecture consultancy firm where his role evolved into leading the business and commercial activities for the superyacht segment.
In 2024, Matteo joins RINA as Head of North Europe Yachting Centre where he ensures clients benefits from the best services both in terms of technical excellence and timely responses. Based in the Southampton office, he is responsible for the business development strategies, forming long term partnerships and commercial activities in the Region.
Matteo has served as member of the executive committee of Superyacht UK, the Great Britain’s superyacht industry advocate association and he is a proud Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

Head of North Europe Yachting Centre

PR & Reputation consultant

Michelle Van der Merwe has been working at Pantaenius Monaco for 18 years and is responsible for managing the English language superyacht team, both for sales/new business and underwriting/administration. The Monaco office is the 2nd biggest office in the group and one of the leading providers of yacht insurance in Europe.
 
She has worked in insurance for 30 years and started her career in corporate private medical insurance in the UK with PPP Healthcare (now AXA PPP), moving to QBE Insurance as a Client Services Manager and then to AIG as Healthcare Claims Manager. 
 
Michelle has extensive experience in yacht insurance underwriting, product development, provision of excellent customer service and the management of client relationships.

Superyacht account manager

Hein Velema is partner at Marstrat, maritime strategic consultants, and general secretary of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. Hein Velema has a master’s degree in economics and was a strategy consultant for a decade before starting in the superyacht industry as director Feadship. Later Hein moved to Monaco to become CEO of Fraser Yachts. During his career Hein was active in associations as board member at Hiswa, SYBAss, LYBRA, IYBA and the Superyacht Alliance.

Partner

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

John Wyborn is a co-founder and director of Bluewater, a yacht brokerage, charter and management company and a provider of crew training and placement services to a large proportion of the yacht crew population. He is a board member and ex-President of MYBA (the worldwide yachting association), is on the board of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and is a board member of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI). He is Chairman of IAMI’s influential Small Ship subgroup. John also sits on the board of both the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Skills Alliance. He joined the Royal Navy as a seaman officer after university and served on various types of vessels including frigates, destroyers, and finally in command of HMS Mentor; a navigation and seamanship training vessel teaching RN trainees and foreign navies.

Director of Training

Prof. Dr. Phil Klaus is globally recognized as a pioneering figure in the realm of Customer Experience Strategy and the foremost expert in Ultra High Net Worth Individual (UHNWI) research. His influential work has solidified his position among the World's Top 2% Scientists, as ranked by Stanford University for five consecutive years from 2019 to 2024. Prof. Klaus is the Chairman of the PK Customer Experience Institute, the founder of Prof. Dr. Phil Klaus Advisory, Monaco, and the innovative force behind Lexden Luxe, a consultancy dedicated to businesses catering to UHNWI clients.
As a Professor of Customer Experience Strategy and Management at the International University of Monaco, Prof. Klaus combines academic rigor with practical expertise. He is the bestselling author of "Measuring Customer Experience," a seminal work that has redefined how businesses approach customer satisfaction and loyalty. His award-winning research, celebrated for its impact and innovation, has been featured in numerous books and a wide range of prestigious academic and managerial journals.
Prof. Klaus's extensive experience extends beyond academia into strategic advisory roles, management consultancy, and executive leadership. He maintains an active portfolio of Blue-Chip clients globally, offering expert advice on customer experience strategy, profit enhancement, 'next practice' innovations, and business development. His insights and strategies have earned him accolades as a top CX influencer for the past two years.
In addition to his scholarly achievements, Prof. Klaus's thought leadership is prominently showcased in leading publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, and Forbes. His contributions to these publications have provided valuable guidance to managers and executives worldwide. He is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for delivering compelling and insightful presentations at major industry conferences and corporate events. His expertise is also highly valued in executive education, where he designs and delivers programs that equip leaders with the tools to excel in customer experience management.
Prof. Dr. Phil Klaus’s unparalleled expertise, combined with his dedication to advancing the field of customer experience and UHNWI research, makes him a vital asset to businesses and academic institutions alike, driving forward the standards of excellence and innovation.

Professor of Customer Experience Strategy and Management

I am an MSc Marketing & Communications Professional, curating end-to-end impactful marketing strategies by blending brands' core competencies with trendsetting ideas. With over nine years of experience in the luxury, hospitality, and technology sectors, I specialize in brand positioning and strategic communication, revitalizing marketing strategies for national and international organizations. Having lived in four countries and six cities, I bring diverse perspectives that enrich my professional journey. Currently, as the Executive Director at the Superyacht Life Foundation, I craft and manage global campaigns that elevate the industry’s image while driving growth and building a strong reputation worldwide.

Executive Director

Erik Hofmeester is the Head of Vessel Management at Samskip, a role he has held since June 2018. Based in Rotterdam, he oversees Samskip's in-house ship management of six container vessels, two LNG-driven multipurpose vessels and a sailing yacht. He leads the Vessels Newbuilding Dept. building two hydrogen driven Seashuttles and running more innovative green projects, such as the use of biofuel, CO2 capturing systems, and plug-in hybrid LNG vessels, wind assistance & solar panels, "digital twins" , emphasizing environmental sustainability in maritime operations.
Previously, Erik served in various leadership positions at Vroon Shipping, where he managed ship management teams, technical operations, and fleet performance for a diverse range of vessels, including tankers, bulk carriers, and offshore support vessels. His extensive career spans over 40 years, starting as a Marine Engineer at Nedlloyd, continuing a shore career as Superintendent up to Managing Director of Vroon Ship Management, giving him deep technical expertise in dry-docking, conversions, and newbuilding.
Erik's career reflects his strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and green innovation in ship management.

Head of Vessel Management

Greg spent 27 years as a marine engine, on numerous different types of vessels, including 15 years as Chief Engineer in the superyacht industry, before co-founding V360.
V360 produces XR simulation training for high-hazard industries such as maritime, nuclear, wind, oil & gas and construction. The training focuses on safety, competence and operational awareness using life-like environments and specific industry standards.

Divisional Lead

Following his secondary and higher education in the Netherlands, Italy and UK (MSc Marine Technology), Engel started his career as a loss adjuster in the UK, determining insurance claims. In 1994, he was employed by the International Chamber of Shipping representing shipping companies mainly at the IMO. In 1996 he joined Lloyd's Register where he worked as a field surveyor dealing with various ship types including yachts and passengerships. He was appointed manager of the plan approval office in Rotterdam in 2005. From January 2012 his carreer took a more commercial direction by leading the sales team in Western Europe. He has been managing the yacht segment from commercial, technical and marketing point of view since the year 2000, representing LR during industry and governmental meetings. He became LR Yacht Segment Director in 2021.

Global Yacht Segment Director

Multi-award winning learning designer specialising in the application of immersive technology.

Principal Immersive Learning Designer

Karen is the founder of Impact Crew, launched in 2007 with the specific purpose of providing team and leadership development for the maritime industry. Karen’s expertise traverses the maritime and corporate sectors, and she has extensive experience working with managers, leaders, and professionals, through facilitation, training, 1:1 coaching and assessment. 
She has a passion for developing people which is evident in her positive, enthusiastic and supportive style of delivery.   
Karen’s philosophy is “to create a relevant, enjoyable and highly participative event, which gives you practical tools that are truly valuable in the workplace”.

Director

Farouk Nefzi is the Chief Marketing Officer at Feadship, one of the most prestigious yacht builders in the world. With over 30 years of experience in luxury branding, Farouk has been instrumental in transforming Feadship into a global "lovemark," recognized for its unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the maritime sector, having led Europort and METSTRADE to become the most profitable maritime platforms globally and establishing the Netherlands as the premier destination for yacht building.
As a board member of the Superyacht Life Foundation, Farouk has contributed to enhancing the reputation of the superyacht industry by focusing on purpose, craftsmanship, and employment stories. His passion for sustainability extends beyond yachting, as seen in his founding of Sidi, a Fairtrade initiative connecting Tunisia and Europe. Farouk's work is driven by a commitment to creating brands that inspire and make a positive impact on global communities.

Chief Marketing Officer

Andrea Carlevaris’ journey in marine engineering began in Trieste back in 1978. After graduating as an engineer from nautical school, he gained hands-on experience as an Engineer Officer on commercial cargo ships, cruise ships, and tugboats.  The Navy construction industry was where he was employed as a foreman to build hybrid propulsion submarines at the end of the ‘80s.  His passion for sailing drove him away from the commercial world, and working as an engineer on sailing yachts first and mega yachts later contributed to his well-rounded perspective on marine engineering. He founded ACP Surveyors in 2005, a fully independent technical company dedicated to supporting yacht Owners. From new yacht builds to pre-purchase surveys, the company handles a full array of consultancy services, including paint inspections and technical expertise in various forms. A Class I commercial Chief Engineer and an ISM Lead Auditor, Andrea is also a qualified Registered Marine Coating Inspector (RMCI) and a Full Member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS).

CEO & Founder

Mark Kruidenier holds a B.Sc. degree in Naval Architecture and a Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Maritime Management.
He is a principal surveyor/ lead auditor for ISM, MLC, ISPS, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, ISO50001 and Business Development Manager/ Key Account Manager at DNV Maritime with his main focus on Business Development. Mark has worked for DNV since 2005 and was located as an expat in Korea between 2014-2016.
He is currently based in Rotterdam/ Marseille.
When not at work I enjoy spending time outdoors and with the family.

Business Development Manager

Richard Jennings currently works in the Yachting Industry as The Global Technical Service manager for Akzonobel Yacht Division.
Richard Previous roles have been within the Painting and Engineering Industries both in Automotive and Yacht, working as an Applicator, Inspector, quality control and Paint manager. The latter being Sunseeker international, specialising in Exterior and Interior effect finishes and repairs. 
Having qualified as a panel beater and painter in the automotive Industry NVQ ( National Vocational qualification ) Richard turned his passion of boating and paint into a career which has to date ( 2024 ) spanned 36 years.
Having undertaken further education Richard has also qualified in NCFE level 3 award in education and training, delivering training on application and products for the yachting Industry, whilst holding both Nace 2 and RMCI qualifications.

Peter is a shipbuilder, naval architect and marine surveyor with 40+ years experience in the maritime industry and is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Starting his career at UK Shipbuilder Vosper Thornycroft as an apprentice shipwright/metalworker and later as a naval architect in the ship design department.
After a period with Lloyd's Register specialising in yachts and passenger ships. Peter joined the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency where is was responsible for the implementation and expansion of the large yacht code second edition. After joining the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a marine surveyor he was instrumental in developing the Register as the world's leading yacht register and played a lead role in the development of the Red Ensign Group Passenger Yacht Code.
Peter is a regular panelist at maritime events and a regular contributor to articles on regulatory matters. He is a well respected authority on matters related to the construction, regulation and operation of ships and large yachts.
Peter has a Law Degree from the University of London and has completed the LPC with the University of Law and has been involved in the development of shipping legislation and provides advice on maritime regulatory matters.
Peter is currently serving as Regional Director, Americas/Yacht Code Specialist with the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, with responsibility for the Authority's technical operations in the Region.

Regional Director Americas/Yacht Codes Specialist

Mel is Co- Founder of SEAS THE MIND, a training company dedicated to creating mentally healthy and resilient seafarers through mental health training. Mel worked as a chef on busy charter sailing yachts throughout her twenties. After years of back-to-back seasons she recognised a consistent void of discussion and external support to counteract isolation and harassment that those in the yachting community face. 
Together with Emma Ross, their mission to address the mental health challenges faced by seafarers culminated with SEAS THE MIND’s inception just before COVID hit. Throughout the pandemic Mel worked as a policy advisor for the UK Chamber of Shipping specialising in Employment and Health & Safety to try and improve the quality of care seafarers were experiencing across the industry. 
In 2022 she left this role to give birth to her son and to publish 'Behind Ocean Lines - The Invisible Price of Accommodating Luxury’ to raise awareness surrounding depression at sea and to share the pitfalls but also the magic being yacht crew.
Though her work at SEAS THE MIND, her goal is to support crew wholeheartedly and give them the tools to access a truly fulfilling, long-lasting career at sea.'

With a background as a professional sailor member of the Spanish National&Olimpic team and Yacht Master Captain. My education skills are in tourism and business management. 
 
I have the know-how of succesfully founding and managing my own start-up company, Portbooker, that operated with online berth and yacht charter bookings worldwide. Experience leading large teams and worldclass waterfront real estate portfolios with a strong marina, F&B, retail and hospitality component.  
 
During my career I have also obtained a strong knowledge on commercial negotiations, sales&marketing techniques and management of major international yachitng events such as the F1 in Yas Marina Abu Dhabi or the Adriatic MYBA International Superyacht Pop-up show.
I am ambitious, competitive, and driven with very high values. I enjoy challenges and delivering under pressure.  
 
Key Achievements: 
 
-          May 2018-March 2022 GM of Yas Asset Management Group: Portfolio of ten properties that included 3 marinas with over 500 berths, 160 F&B units and GLA of over 40.000 sqm. During this period I successfully did the handover from construction pre-opening and opening of 4 new properties: Yas Bay (F&B 50 plus) and Marina, Yas Marina Dry Stack, West Yas Plaza Mall and Yas Arcade Mix usage office and retail. 
-          March 2017-May 2018 CEO “MARINA VELA BARCELONA”: Marina Vela was a new Superyacht marina and retail destination located in the heart of Barcelona. A 100M euro investment with 136 berths up to 100m, drystack for 222 boats and 50 units for retail and F&B. I successfully did the handover from contractor, pre-opening and opening. 
-          April 2013 – March 2017 GENERAL MANAGER “PORTO MONTENEGRO Yacht Club”:  Porto Montenegro is the leading superyacht marina & village of the Mediterranean. A half billion-euro investment with over 400 luxury residences, 5 Star Hotel, Yacht Club, over 60 retail units and 450 berths.
During this period I also shared my GM role with the responsibilities of: “Director of the International MYBA Pop-Up Super Yacht Show“ and “Member of the Porto Montenegro Yacht Club Board“ .

Terry Hutchinson is a distinguished American sailor and a veteran America’s Cup competitor with participation in six America’s Cup cycles. He notably served as a winning tactician in the Louis Vuitton Cup, and now includes serving as President of Sailing Operations and Skipper for NYYC American Magic. With seventeen World Championship titles and multiple North American and National Championships, he has left an indelible mark on the world of competitive sailing. He is a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and has received numerous accolades for his sailing prowess. A proud alumnus of Old Dominion University, Terry continues to inspire and lead in the sport of sailing.

President of Sailing Operations/Skipper

Anthony is dedicated to assisting yacht owners, owner representatives, advisors providing consultancy and corporate structuring services, as well as advising and supporting on the purchase/sale contracts, tax and VAT compliance, yacht registration and yacht finance. As the Founder of AG Advisory Ltd, his aim is to use the expertise and experience of the last 20 years to assist owners and their reps to manage their business and toys across the globe.   Dr Anthony Galea holds a Doctor of Laws from University of Malta and is vastly experienced in providing advisory and consultancy services, in various aspects of the yachting and aviation industries. Anthony’s career started in Malta and for many years he worked in local firms garnering the experience which serves him until today in the civil and corporate world, as well as in litigation. He helped set up DF Marine and later went on to set up and manage Vistra Marine & Aviation Limited. Anthony currently serves on many industry related Boards - mainly the Malta Maritime Law Association,  the Malta Chamber of Commerce Yachting Division, and the working group established to create a Superyacht Policy for Malta. In the international space, noteworthy is Anthony’s involvement in The Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards and his participation as speaker or presenter of papers on various industry panels during the years.

Founder

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-pollicardo-401ba812">www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-pollicardo-401ba812</a>

Technical & Environmental Director

Giedo is a Naval Architect by education with a large appetite for complex problems and new technology. His work is a balance between developing long term strategies and hands-on tackling of today’s challenges. He acquired deep roots in maritime research and development during his years at the MARIN institute. In 2012, he moved to Feadship where he gained experience in yacht design, engineering, regulations, build and servicing. Today he holds the position of Head of R&D of Feadship, the leading brand of full custom superyachts. In this role he focuses on several developments which include sustainability, digitalization, structures, motions and modularity.

Head of R&D

Auctioneer & Presenter/Ladyspeaker

Robert has 25+ years in aviation leadership, excelling in strategic management, operations, advocacy for sustainability, workforce development, Advanced Air Mobility and Boeing 737-rated pilot.

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3645ldmpfxjakg1xikw3r/Roberto-Martinoli-Biography-September-2024.docx?rlkey=3z10e1z4w61f7q738zwvhftpf&st=9ieot5az&dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3645ldmpfxjakg1xikw3r/Roberto-Martinoli-Biography-September-2024.docx?rlkey=3z10e1z4w61f7q738zwvhftpf&st=9ieot5az&dl=0</a>

Board Member and Managing partner respectively

Marianne spent over 10 years at sea, sailing on various sailing yachts and motor yachts, as mate then later as chief engineer. She is very passionate about her time and experiences at sea and loved crossing the Atlantic to work busy charter and owner’s trips in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea. 
 
Marianne spent numerous years in the engine room, during which time she developed a true passion for engineering.  
 
In 2003, she started her land-based position as an assistant in the C&N Yacht Management Division and pursued her career in the maintenance and compliance of the yachts in the fleet. She swiftly became specialised in the ISM & ISPS compliance, an area in which she became the manager for many years. 
 
In between loving to learn and further her knowledge, she became one of the few certified ILO trainers in the application of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 in the yachting industry. She implemented and adapted these regulations to the yachting field and kept herself highly involved and interested in any new regulations affecting yachts and seafarers. 
 
She passed on her compliancy responsibilities in 2013 and moved on to the Senior Fleet manager’s position looking after a large fleet of yachts. 
 
In 2018, she took over the role of Deputy Head of the Yacht Management division of the company and took over the Head of the department early 2019. She now manages the worldwide team of C&N’s yacht management, a job she does with passion and dedication. 
 
Always involved in teaching and sharing knowledge, she encourages everyone she encounters to grow and develop themselves.  She is focussed on offering an honest and respectful experience to owners and is proud to be surrounded by a team who thrive to continuously perfect the services they offer. 
 
Outside of work, Marianne loves spending time outdoors, hiking, kiting, swimming and sailing whenever possible.

Group Head of Yacht Management

Aino joined Winch Design in 2016, bringing 20 years of experience in leading and growing businesses in creative industries, namely in the art, luxury and technology sectors. 
Holding an MBA from INSEAD, Aino started her career as a strategy consultant with Bain & Company. She then spent nearly a decade at Christie’s, in a variety of strategic and operational roles. Aino works closely with Andrew Winch, The Board and Senior Management Team to ensure Winch Design is as strong commercially as it is creatively.

Snorre Halvorsen has been a member of The Club's Loss Prevention - Global Support & Training team since 2019. His role as Executive Senior Advisor sees him assisting clients both before and after an incident with regard to strategic and operational risk, crisis management, business culture and leadership, as well as global operational intelligence support.
Before joining The Club, Snorre enjoyed an 11-year military career which saw him as an officer in the Norwegian Army Rangers, Royal Norwegian Navy, coastal rangers and the United Nations Forces in Lebanon This was followed by more than 20 years in leader and advisor roles within private and public sector agencies specialising in risk and crisis management. 
Snorre also held the position of Project Manager for the Regional Civil Protection Centre and the Emergency Management Cluster in Norway's Vestland region. During the Road World Championships in Bergen 2017, he was Chief of the Joint Cooperation Centre where 31 agencies were gathered to protect the city region during the nine-day event. During the pandemic, Snorre was asked to assist the Bergen City Health Authorities in the role as Covid-19 Crisis Coordinator.
A graduate of the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, Snorre also holds an Executive Master of Management in Energy from BI Norwegian Business School.
He says: "In an ever more complex world, I believe the winners are those who acknowledge the competence of others and dare to invite them to the table."

Executive Senior Advisor - Loss Prevention  & Emergency Response

Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Ferdinando Pilli has held top management positions in leading shipyards, gaining significant experience in both new construction and refitting projects. In 2018, he joined the Azimut|Benetti Group as the Custom Operations Director within the Benetti division.
In September 2024, he assumed the role of General Manager at Lusben, where he is responsible for driving the company's growth and expansion.
His leadership focuses on further consolidating Lusben's position in the motor and sailing yacht refit industry across the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on innovation and efficiency through a dedicated team.

General Manager

Sharing info on safety, connection and inclusion.
My bio: I am an independent maritime multipotentialite who managed to change international maritime policy by creating a community. My greatest skills are to connect people, spark up valuable discussions, and solve problems together. 
At the wheel of the Maritime Unity Community: a group of people who use their own influence, power, knowledge and intrinsic motivation to make the world a better place for all of us. 
Currently I am hosting a podcast show called MARITIME UNITY on Yachting International Radio, where all kinds of different voices of the maritime sector are given a platform. Listen to the unified voice of humanity that diversity creates.
In my dayjob I am a Quality Safety Health and Environment Manager for a shipmanagement company.
My personality: compassionate, radiant, joyful, creative, intuitive, curious, responsible, social and flexible. I love positive change initiatives and has a high level of moral ambition. My desire for connection and safety is what sparks my neurodiverse mind. 
My background: Serving as a dual-licensed maritime officer, I started my career by crossing the many oceans of our globe on large container vessels. Where I built up a firm basis of experience in the maritime sector, working in a diverse variety of work areas all over the world.
The humanitarian work that I did in the maritime sector is what makes me most proud, as it set in motion global change. By gathering a large circle of people we solved one of the most complex and hidden problems in the maritime sector: the absence of psychological and social safety. 
As a UN delegate for a Flagstate at IMO, my job at the time focused on policy development adding a higher level of psychological safety in standards for education. The group on psychological safety to prevent bullying, unacceptable behavior and sexual abuse in the maritime sector initiated a change of mindset. Their proposals led to amendments to the STCW. Please find more about the work of this community in a recent article:  “The people that actively imagined a better world” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/people-actively-imagined-better-world-eva-lianne-veldkamp-9zf9e

Community leader, Podcast host, Safety manager

Truly effective yacht management requires a multi-disciplinary skill set. As stakeholders in the industry, yacht management has a key responsibility to provide continuity throughout the lifecycle of the yacht with it’s changes in Ownership, Captain/Crew, Flag/Class, location/jurisdiction and multitude of service providers each with their own role to play and an agenda not necessarily aligned with the overall best interests of the yacht operation. We need to ensure an effective transition from shipyard to operational status with relevant historical data tracked, recorded and passed on for each component of the operation. We need to understand banking, insurance, VAT and fiscal implications, employment and HR processes, safety and Flag State compliance, technical, technological and communication trends, emergency response preparedness and a psychological approach to mental health and harassment issues.
With 29 years in the industry and a wide range of experience and exposure to yacht operational challenges and industry experts, Russell is keenly aware of the importance of asking the right questions and sense checking the responses in the context of the big picture and the best interests of the yacht. 
A qualified Captain, Marine Surveyor and member of the Nautical Institute with over 100 onboard audits and technical inspections carried out on a global fleet ranging from 35m to 135m carrying bespoke machinery and operational systems as well as project management and oversight for large refit periods for high profile clients, Russell has had the good fortune to be involved with all of the moving parts and many layers of complex operations and can draw on experience and working examples to ask the right questions.

Director - Yacht Management

Tore Longva works as a Decarbonization Director in Regulatory Affairs in DNV and has more than 15 years of experience within maritime environmental regulations and improving the environmental performance of shipping. Tore is following closely the development of regulating GHG in shipping as an advisor in the Norwegian delegation to the Marine Environmental Protection Committee in the IMO and is a regular contributor to DNV’s forecast studies on shipping emission reduction and development and uptake of new fuels, technologies and solutions. Tore has a MSc in Industrial Economics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (2004). He is currently the chair of the Low Carbon Global Industry Alliance.

Decarbonization Director

Dean Smith runs Hampshire Marine a company specialising in large yacht refit supervison and new construction. He has worked in the superyacht industry for over 25 years gaining the ear of owners and industry for his straightforward approach to large project execution.
Having studied commercial shipbroking he was keen to move into the yachting industry and eventually joined Devonport shipyard in the UK leading their business development to win the build of such vessels as the 96m VAVA II.
Currently Hampshire Marine is monitoring several large refit projects throughout Europe and Dean follows many personally on the ground, enjoying the interaction with all the key members of the shipyard teams.

President

Dale is the founder and CEO of Proteus Professionals - a specialist marine technical recruitment agency, based in UK and NL, and servicing clients worldwide. An industry veteran himself with 20 year long career starting with the America's Cup and ultimately delivering 35 superyacht projects, Dale's intimate understanding of the maritime sector is what sets Proteus Professionals in a league of its own amongst recruiters.
Together with his team at Proteus (all ex yachting professionals too), Dale provides world class technical recruitment to the high-performance yachting, superyacht and composites sectors. Leveraging rich inhouse industry expertise, extensive candidate network and a 21st century data driven evidence-based technology system, Proteus Professionals provides a streamlined, efficient and cost-effective recruitment process that guarantees client satisfaction and enables smooth project delivery.

Rob Papworth graduated from Southampton University in 1995 with a degree in Ship Science. After spending a few years pursuing his passion for sailboat racing in the superyacht world, he transitioned ashore in 1998 to begin his first composite yacht build. This initial experience sparked a decade-long career in the construction of high-tech composite sailing yachts, including several prestigious projects for the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
In 2001, Rob moved to the South of France, where he entered the yacht refit industry with Compositeworks, eventually becoming a shareholder in the company. When Compositeworks was acquired by MB92 in 2017, Rob stayed on in La Ciotat to lead operations,  where he continues to serve Managing Director. For the past decade, he has also served as Chairman of the ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group, contributing his expertise to industry standards and best practices.
Rob still resides in the South of France, an ideal setting for enjoying both his love of the sailing and skiing with his wife and 2 children.

Managing Director

Tenair

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