THE FUTURE OF MARINAS & OPERATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Investing in and Upgrading Marinas
She began her career in the nautical sector as part of a sales team, where she quickly stood out for her ability to identify growth and loyalty opportunities. Thanks to her strategic vision, she was promoted to Commercial Director, a role in which she has been responsible for leading a multifunctional team and managing key relationships with clients and suppliers.
Her in-depth knowledge of the nautical market and her ability to implement effective commercial tactics have allowed her to position the company as a benchmark in the mooring rental and shipyard services sector. Additionally, she has played a crucial role in modernizing the services offered and developing new business lines, resulting in a significant increase in profitability and the expansion of the company’s market presence.
With a results-oriented approach and leadership based on innovation, she continues to drive the company toward new goals, adapting to the ever-changing demands of the nautical market and enhancing the customer experience.
Previously, Isabel spent 14 years in the Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade department, supporting businesses in their global expansion.
Throughout his career, he has played a key role in driving strategic initiatives within the industry, including the creation of Balearic Yacht Destination, an association that has significantly contributed to positioning and promoting the yachting sector in the Balearic Islands.
Currently serving as Commercial Director at Ocibar, Nani leads the company’s commercial development and expansion, leveraging his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision to drive growth and strengthen Ocibar’s market presence.
Board leadership and executive appointments covering properties, consultancy, operating and service companies. Dean has a constant and clear customer centric mindset that deliver outstanding growth.
As Sales Manager at Port Vauban, Elena Veleva leads the marina's sales efforts, specializing in the sale of premium berths to a diverse, multilingual clientele. With a deep understanding of both the maritime industry and the unique needs of international clients, she manages the full sales cycle, from initial inquiry to contract negotiation, offering tailored solutions that meet the specific demands of yacht owners and businesses
Graduated from Strathclyde University with a Master of Engineering in Naval Architecture with High Performance Marine Vehicles, Enrique combines strong technical expertise with a passion for maritime innovation.
He is known for his strong character and excellent communication skills. Throughout his career, he has worked with various international companies across multiple countries, gaining valuable experience in several areas of the marine industry from an early stage.
Exploring the future of Mediterranean Migration & Charter Activity
His transition to the yachting industry in 2018 allowed him to merge his expertise in high-end brand positioning with the superyacht sector, playing a key role in strategic partnerships and industry events. Under his leadership, SOS Yachting has expanded operations to Monaco and Greece, reinforcing its presence in the market.
Beyond his professional achievements, Frédéric is actively involved in social causes and gender equality initiatives. With a strategic mindset and a global vision, he brings unparalleled expertise in taxation, brand management, and the future of the yachting industry.
Proven track record advising in yacht and aircraft purchases, owning and operational structures. He has worked for top-tier foreign broker companies, family offices, international law firms, and aircraft operators most of which remain regular clients.
Member of the International Yacht Broker Association (IYBA) and founding member of the Barcelona Nautical Cluster (BNC) where actively participates in its legal committee. Member of the board of directors of the Spanish Business Aviation Association (SPBAA) and co-chair of the European Business Aviation Association tax committee (EBAA).
Actively involved in non-profit collaborative projects. Founder of “The Superyacht and Business Aviation VAT Think Tank” a group discussion with more than 140 professionals, gathering VAT and customs specialists from across Europe and the US. The project seeks to improve the correct understanding of tax regulations from an international cross-border perspective and bring the reality of Yachting and Aviation industries to policy makers and the broad public.
THE FUTURE OF REFIT & SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
INVESTING IN REFIT INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUSINESS MODELS
Trained at the University of Cadiz, he studied Nautical and Maritime Transport. His professional career began at the age of 19, when he embarked on a cargo ship, making the start of a journey that took him to travel the world's seas. His first assignment was on a roro type merchant ship, operating on a regular route between the Canary Islands and Seville, specialising in the transport of containers and ro-ro cargo. Subsequently, he joined the renowned Royal Caribbean company as part of the crew of a cruise ship.
After years of sailing on various vessels, from merchant ships to large yachts, Carlos decided to redirect his career towards onshore management, joining STP Shipyard Palma. His in-depth knowledge of the maritime sector, his leadership and management skills have made him a key figure within the company, where he continues to contribute his expertise and vision to optimise shipyard processes.
He has held key leadership positions at renowned companies, including Gartner Development, ACTI Group, Monaco Marine La Ciotat, Couach CNC, and IMS Shipyard. His experience ranges from driving corporate restructuring efforts to leading the delivery of high-value international projects. He has overseen multi-site operations, managed large teams and subcontractors, and negotiated complex international contracts. His approach focuses on creating sustainable competitive advantages, managing crises effectively, and cultivating a culture of excellence and collaboration within organizations.
In 2001, Rob moved to the South of France to join the high-tech yacht builder Compositeworks as a shareholder in the company, which gradually transitioned into the yacht refit industry. When MB92 acquired Compositeworks in 2017, Rob remained in La Ciotat, where he now leads operations as the shipyard's CEO. For the past decade, he has also chaired the ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group, shaping industry standards and best practices.
He later served as Project Manager for refit projects alongside Kuch in Greece and Germany, gaining extensive hands-on experience in technical and operational aspects of the sector.
Currently, he oversees operations at A1 Shipyard in Rhodes, a facility capable of handling vessels of up to 650 tons. In addition to his shipyard leadership, he is also the driving force behind several major marine infrastructure projects in Greece, currently in development.
His contributions to the industry and to Greek tourism have been recognized by both SETE (Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises) and HATTA (Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies).
THE FUTURE OF SERVICES & SUBCONTRACTORS
Before leading Huisfit, Stefan was responsible for design and engineering at Royal Huisman, focusing on the seamless integration of the many disciplines involved in both new build and refit projects. His earlier career includes heading structural engineering and naval architecture at Feadship, as well as experience as an operations manager in marine salvage, bringing a wealth of technical and operational expertise to his role at Huisfit.
Following his background in Marine Engineering and Project Management, he worked during several years as Project Manager and then developed and managed the Project Department in the company. He took over the production department in 2021where he has been integrating and developing three departments over the past years Pre-project and Quotations Department, Project Management Department and the workshops. He is the Production Director since 2024 .
In this role, he develops and oversees the project and production processes, ensuring the highest standards in yacht refit and repair services. His career reflects a commitment to excellence in the maritime industry, contributing significantly to the company's reputation for quality and reliability.
Following this, he gained extensive experience across Europe, working in Pendennis, Cartagena, and Viareggio before joining the team at Rolling Stock's headquarters in Palma de Mallorca in the summer of 2008. During his tenure in Palma, he held various management positions, playing a key role in the company’s growth. After merging with Pinmar in 2012 to form GYG, Manu co-led the Group’s global production division.
With a strong technical background and extensive management experience, Manu now serves as Pinmar's Sales Director. His in-depth industry knowledge enables him to understand clients' needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.
After starting Modesty Yacht Carpentry with Phil Spear in 1999 as a simple 80m2 carpentry shop, it has now grown to over 1500m2 where decks and more are fabricated for many of the world’s finest Superyacht build and refit facilities. The use of laser measuring and CNC machining has allowed Modesty to produce a revolutionary system for prefabricated decks where it works with tolerances of 0.5mm over a length of 45 meters. Using the same technology and experience they also create deckhead panels, cap rails, handrails, gratings and exterior furniture to the same exacting standards.
The company has not lost sight of its roots and continues to service the refit market with localized repairs and replacement alongside our creation of full deck packages. With a continuous investment in the latest equipment and development of new ideas this has kept Modesty at the forefront of the market and they are proud to work for the most prestigious shipyards and the most exclusive vessel in the world.
MEET THE MODARATORS
Since 1992, he has served as Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of The Superyacht Group, one of the industry’s leading independent and privately-owned media companies. Often described as the Financial Times of Superyachts, the group encompasses The Superyacht Report, SuperyachtNews.com, and The Superyacht Forum, delivering authoritative journalism, expert opinions, and valuable market intelligence.
In addition, Martin is the Chief Executive of The Superyacht Agency, a boutique strategic consultancy firm he has led since 2002. The agency specialises in brand strategy, market analysis, forecasting, and intelligence, advising major investors, prominent brands, governments, and yacht owners worldwide.
From 2017 to 2023, he also contributed as a founding board member of the Water Revolution Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to advancing sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the superyacht industry.
Earlier in his career, between 1988 and 1992, Martin played a pivotal role as Commercial Director at Boat International, often referred to as the Vogue of Yachting. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the magazine’s strategic growth and redevelopment.
Martin’s connection to the sea began even earlier, spending a year as a private chef aboard SY Nazenin III, an 85-foot classic sailing yacht owned by one of Turkey’s most prominent figures.
He holds a degree in Business and Mathematics, earned between 1985 and 1987, laying the academic foundation for his multifaceted career.
Mr Hickling currently serves on the board of the Viking Maritime Group. In addition to running his own Business Advisory company, he currently has the role of Managing Director for three specialist consulting companies: Newmar Overseas Consulting Ltd, Optimar Consulting Ltd and John Robinson Associates Survey Specialists Ltd.
Ken holds a position of Emeritus board member with global superyacht industry association ISS, having served as President, and is currently vice chair of Superyacht UK, which is part of the UK leisure marine trade body British Marine. Hs is also the BSI (British Standards Institution) representative on ISO TC8/SC12/WG5 a technical standards working group addressing Quality on Superyachts.
Ken also serves as one of the Trustees of the Superyacht Charities Foundation, which raises funds from within the Superyacht industry on behalf of many small charities operating across Europe.