Whether bringing fresh thinking, technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive or decades of knowledge to a business, these individuals are not only introducing smarter solutions, but also challenging the status quo in boatbuilding, marina operations, propulsion and beyond.
Kevin Anderson
PhD, senior fellow – Brunswick
Anderson is a world-class expert in metallurgy with a focus on aluminium alloys – a material central to everything from boat construction to Mercury engines across Brunswick’s portfolio.
During a 27-year career with Brunswick, Anderson has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, earning recognition as the company’s first-ever senior fellow, a title that reflects both his technical skill and lasting impact on the organisation.
Blending deep scientific expertise with a passion for design and production, he holds 40 patents, with more to come.
Among his most impactful contributions is his leadership in sustainability, says the company. During post-covid material shortages, Anderson spearheaded the use of recycled materials, an approach that kept production running and significantly reduced both costs and environmental impact. His work with recycled aluminium alloys resulted in millions in savings for Brunswick.
Beyond technical innovation, Anderson is a dedicated mentor and advocate for STEM. He advises everyone from PhD candidates to elementary students and top US government offices, helping shape a more sustainable, forward-thinking future for Brunswick and the marine industry.
Malek Amro – head of marketing
Sasha Curti – head of sales
Charter Itinerary
Amro and Curti (pictured left) have worked to develop and rollout Yacht Plan, Charter Itinerary´s new captain-focused product/subscription, an all-in-one charter software for yachting professionals.
Championing a direct-to-captain subscription strategy in a traditionally broker-dominated market, the duo has aimed to prove that a more inclusive, customer-driven (crew) approach could succeed.
Amro says: “We have helped reposition Charter Itinerary to recognise an overlooked audience: captains. Aiming to shift perception and develop a narrative that positioned captains not just as end users, but as central figures in delivering exceptional charters, we spearheaded the go-to-market strategy and adoption.”
By changing strategy to prioritise captain engagement over traditional broker-led routes, the duo aimed to challenge an industry norm and unlock a widely untapped channel of adoption and advocacy.
Neil Brinsdon
Managing director – Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics & Spencer Rigging
With 34 years in the rigging industry, Brinsdon’s extensive experience is as essential as it is rare. Working for Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics & Spencer Rigging, which fall under the Ancasta Group, his influence extends across the industry from day boats to bluewater cruisers.
While innovation drives progress, hands-on knowledge – like Brinsdon’s – ensures advancements are safe, practical and lasting, says Ancasta.
‘Rigging demands acute attention to detail, problem-solving, and foresight, all of which only come from decades of hands-on practice.’
Major yacht builders including Oyster Yachts rely on Brinsdon to consult on their prestigious new builds – an endorsement that speaks volumes about his reputation and reliability.
His capabilities also shine in unique restoration projects. The classic gaff ketch Cariad, launched in 1896, recently presented a rare and complex rigging challenge during a complete restoration. Brinsdon’s insight, care and use of traditional methods proved invaluable during the historic project.
“Rigging is not something you learn overnight,” says Nick Griffith, managing director of the Ancasta Group. “Much of the knowledge is built over decades. That’s what makes Neil’s contribution so valuable – not just to our group, but to the industry as a whole.
“Preserving deep-rooted skills and expertise is vital – especially in areas like rigging, where precision and safety are paramount. Few exemplify this better than Brinsdon.”
Tom Dowdell
Head of marketing – Williams Jet Tenders and Evene Tenders
Dowdell has been the force behind some of the most creative evolutions at Williams Jet Tenders in recent years. In addition to a full-scale rebrand for the company, Dowdell was also the brand architect behind the launch of Evene Tenders, the company’s new superyacht tender brand.
Dowdell says his most pivotal strategic decision has been “without a doubt, to launch a completely new brand, Evene Tenders, within the Williams Marine Group portfolio”.
The move further positions the group in the highly competitive superyacht tender space. “We felt we needed to create a separate brand with a more exclusive look and feel to service our superyacht customers,” he says.
Dowdell also works as a member of both the internal product steering group and sustainability committee, and has helped drive development direction and sustainability strategy. His work on the company’s annual sustainability report led directly to Williams winning many awards that recognise the brand’s sustainability efforts.
The company has also been awarded the prestigious 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise.
“Creating and executing a sustainability strategy can be quite daunting, as many companies try to find a silver bullet to solve their problems as quickly as possible to little success.
“We’ve found being data driven and focusing on the small wins to realise sustained improvement over a longer period of time is most beneficial. If the technology is not out there yet, or it costs too much to develop, don’t panic, you can keep an eye on other industries who may be more focussed, and have the resources to drive change in this area.”
Viktor Helgi Gizurarson
Software engineer – Hefring Marine
According to marine intelligence company Hefring Marine, Viktor Helgi Gizurarson ‘exemplifies the next generation of marine tech innovators’, having transformed from an industrial engineering master’s student, to a driving force behind Hefring Marine’s backend software infrastructure.
What started as a summer programming job collecting weather forecasts became a new career trajectory when Gizurarson recognised his passion for software development over traditional engineering.
The company notes one of his standout contributions as developing a sophisticated rule-based alert system for Hefring’s IMAS Helm product, enabling vessel operators to create custom monitoring rules based on real-time sensor data. The innovation has significantly enhanced operational safety across fleets and opened doors to larger enterprise customers.
Gizurarson’s biggest challenge, and greatest growth, has come from learning to communicate technical ideas persuasively within a startup environment.
The company says: ‘His ability to navigate disagreements while maintaining technical standards has elevated code quality across the entire team through consistent linting practices, CI/CD pipelines, and maintainable architecture.’
Kent Jopling
Global senior manager special markets – marine and powersports – Harman Kardon
Following an 18-year stint with Navico where he served as senior vice president of engineering leading R&D in the US, Jopling joined Harman in 2014 to lead the headphone and wearables division for the JBL brand.
He currently holds 14 patents in marine and audio design. Jopling managed the development and delivery of numerous consumer technologies, including bio-wearables (heart rate), hearables and headphones (cloud-based and standalone), as well as some of the first voice-enabled solutions in the market.
In 2018, Jopling left the company but returned in 2021 to take up his current position as global senior manager special markets. In this expanded role, Jopling has completely revised the approach to audio technology implementation for boatbuilders by utilising technologies from other markets and delivering them as OEM solutions within the Harman Marine, JBL Marine and Infinity Marine brands.
These technological advancements include, but are not limited to, the adaptation of automotive A2B technology, which simplifies the wiring and powering of audio systems for new builds, reducing cost and weight, and delivering a higher fidelity audio experience.
Oscar Mead
Co-founder – TeamO
Oscar Mead, a British sailor and designer, co-founded TeamO Marine Safety Products on the UK south coast in 2013 alongside his sister, Lauren. The idea for the company stemmed from a tragic incident where a sailor drowned after falling overboard while tethered to his vessel – a stark reminder that existing safety equipment had critical flaws.
Drawing on his extensive sailing experience, including becoming the youngest skipper to complete the OSTAR solo transatlantic race at age 18, Mead set out to develop a new, improved lifejacket.
Following four years of development, TeamO launched the revolutionary BackTow lifejacket in 2017. The product features a patented harness system that turns the wearer face-up and into a safer seated towing position if they fall overboard while clipped on.
In 2024, TeamO’s commitment to cutting-edge safety technology was recognised when the company won the prestigious DAME Design Award for its Hi-Lift lifejacket – a product that again builds on the company’s core innovation ethos by rethinking how flotation is used and redefining marine safety for the modern sailor.
Sam Pickering
Head of products – RAD Propulsion
Recognising a gap in the expedition cruise market, Pickering has led the development of one of RAD’s flagship product innovations: the Power console – an integrated outboard propulsion system designed for vessels like the Zodiac MK 5.
Tasked with delivering both performance and environmental responsibility, he successfully engineered a solution that operates in extreme conditions with ‘minimal ecological impact’. The first working prototype was recently deployed in Antarctica, where its near-silent operation was noted by operators.
Pickering’s work in the aerospace sector sets him apart and has been pivotal for developments. RAD says: ‘His experience includes contributions to several Airbus landing gear programmes and the development of first-class cabin products for international airlines. This background has instilled a rigorous, systems-driven approach that now sets him apart in the marine industry.’
With the next-generation Power console now undergoing trials in Svalbard, Norway, Pickering is establishing both himself and RAD Propulsion as leaders in the future of sustainable marine propulsion.
Chris Ponnwitz
Chief commercial officer — Mack Sustainable Energy, Mack Boring & Parts Company
In 2021, Ponnwitz transitioned from the marketing manager to the role of group product manager in Mack Boring’s electric group, where he shifted his focus to leading the company’s commitment to sustainable products through electric power and propulsion.
Three years later, in 2024, Ponnwitz led the efforts to form an entirely new branch of Mack Boring, Mack Sustainable Energy. As chief commercial officer of the new division, Ponnwitz continues to push sustainability in the marine industry toward further expansion and growth, as well as understanding.
Savannah Sami-Bacon
Product designer – Mustang Survival
Sami-Bacon is a rising creative force behind some of Mustang Survival’s most innovative new products. As a product designer based at the Waterlife Studio – Mustang’s Canadian headquarters for marine safety and technical apparel – she has played a key role in the development of the award-winning Atlas 190 DLX lifejacket.
Sami-Bacon is also leading the design of Mustang’s next-generation inflatable platform, integrating the Adapt bladder technology with new features.
The Mustang team says: ‘Her ability to navigate and even thrive within the boundaries of regulatory design is helping Mustang Survival push the envelope of what’s possible in technical marine apparel.
‘As the brand continues to evolve its product offering for global markets, Sami-Bacon’s creative approach and attention to both function and form are proving invaluable. She’s definitely one to watch in the future of marine safety design.’
Reflecting on her career motivations, Sami-Bacon says: “Designing at the intersection of safety and innovation is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. It’s not just about creating something that looks great – it’s about building products that people trust in critical moments. That kind of responsibility adds real weight to every design decision, and it challenges me to think deeper, work smarter, and never settle for ‘good enough.’
“Whether we’re exploring new materials, rethinking user interactions, or refining the smallest details, the mindset is always the same: how can we make this better, safer, and more intuitive?” she concludes.
Alberto Teodori
Project lead development – Yanmar Marine International
After years spent optimising the propulsion driveline in the automotive sector for luxury
high performance car brands, engineer Alberto Teodori joined Yanmar Marine International to address a key industry challenge: to make the leisure marine sector more sustainable.
With specialised knowledge in electrical integration and powertrain calibration, Teodori is part of a development team at Yanmar committed to creating the next generation of sustainable marine engines.
“We are entering a new era of propulsion, starting with Yanmar’s SDe series of electric saildrives,” says Teodori. “And now we are pushing innovation further. Together with the team, I am working on a new purpose for our existing diesel engines. In this new system the diesel engine is not directly used for propulsion, but to optimise energy efficiency and consumption.”
As emissions regulations tighten and boaters grow more eco-conscious, Teodori is drawing upon his software development expertise and experience working on different methods of propulsion in the automotive sector, including electric and hybrid, to deliver projects which are unique to marine.
Alvise Tositti
Chief strategy officer – ACQ Group
Alvise Tositti is ‘reshaping the future of the ACQ Group through a bold, innovation-led strategy where AI, data transparency, and instant access to knowledge are transforming the industry’ says the yacht services firm.
With extensive experience in international yachting, both on the dock as an agent and within leadership, Tositti has utilised his knowledge of the operational needs of captains and crew to improve the company’s offerings.
Spearheading the mix of data and AI, the company says: ‘Today, his strategic vision is accelerating through the power of artificial intelligence, not as a buzzword, but as a true enabler of smarter, faster, and more transparent services. Under his direction, ACQ Group is no longer just a service provider, it is becoming an intelligent, connected ecosystem.’
AcqueraPro, and the new AcqueraPro AI, are the results of this strategy.
Sangwon Shin
VP of recreational marine – Avikus
Shin has taken an established commercial product and made waves recently with dramatic growth and inroads in the recreational marine electronics segment, both in the US and around the world.
Avikus says the reception by the industry for Neuboat Dock II has been pivotal – it received the iF Design Award 2025 and was selected for the 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award in the Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software category. The Avikus Neuboat Dock II offers a 3D surround view, along with individual camera perspectives, designed to ensure safe and precise manoeuvres during docking and navigation in confined spaces.
Following the successful launch, Avikus says it has experienced an influx of partners from a number of new boatbuilders and a rapid growth of its dealer network by 200 per cent.
Mary Velline
Show director – IBEX
Velline has transitioned from a distinguished career in the automotive and fire, rescue and EMS sectors to join the marine industry over a year ago. Having managed a portfolio of three annual B2B conferences and trade shows previously, Velline is bringing a new level of connection across marine industry segments to foster not only the growth and success of the industry, but the technology and sustainability efforts going into the boats of tomorrow and beyond.
As the former senior vice president of business development for the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association and the Twin Cities Auto Show, as well as the group show manager at Cygnus Business Media, Velline has brought a well-rounded experience of crafting one-of-a-kind and impactful events in the ever-changing automotive industry to an evolving marine industry.
Read the latest roundup following IBEX and what is to come for the event in 2026.
Misha Vysokovskiy
CPO – Savvy Navvy
After a decade developing land-based navigation tools at Yandex – including a driving app used by millions worldwide – Vysokovskiy has brought his expertise to the marine sector, says the team at Savvy Navvy.
Combining his two passions – navigation and boating – Vysokovskiy joined Savvy Navvy to help evolve how navigation works on the water.
Recently promoted to chief product officer, he continues to apply on-land technology to the marine sector.
From overseeing the launch of enhanced features such as navigation mode, Over the Horizon AIS (OHA) and smart routing upgrades – Vysokovskiy has led a rapid development of features in Savvy Navvy.
The launch of Savvy Navvy Integrated marked a significant shift – creating seamless navigation solutions for marine manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
As a result, Savvy Navvy’s charts are already embedded in onboard systems. Smart routing with range prediction for electric boats are next, as partnership with key players such as Avikus and RAD Propulsion were recently announced.
Dominic Zammit
Group commercial director – boatfolk
Zammit is spearheading sustainability at boatfolk. One aspect the group is currently working on is attaining the Clean Marina accreditation across boatfolk’s 11 marinas (Portland was the first ever marina to receive the accreditation as well as a further three of boatfolk’s marinas to date).
Zammit says: “If you’re going to commit to a framework like Clean Marina, you can’t do it half-heartedly. It requires genuine engagement – not superficial box-ticking. You need to invest the time and effort to drive meaningful change; that’s the mindset we’ve adopted across the group.”
Zammit is also championing responsible business conversations nationally, making a recent visit to the House of Lords with boatfolk’s sustainability partner and global think-tank, Bright Tide, to participate in conversations around the future of sustainability and AI. He is also joining as a panellist to discuss diversity and inclusion at the next ICOMIA World Marinas conference in Venice.
“[Sustainability] is not just about setting targets or ticking boxes. We’re not throwing money at sponsorships for the sake of it – we’re getting stuck in.
“We’re actively investing our people, our time, and our platforms into projects that drive tangible, measurable outcomes. That’s what makes our initiatives real. When you root your efforts in something you’re truly passionate about, authenticity follows.”
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