Derek grew up in Malaysia and the Solomon Islands He built his first vessel at 8 years old (a 2.8m canoe dug out from one log) 1986 Started sailing in Europe 1987 Became a Captain on first sailing yacht 1988 RYA Ocean Certificate Sailed globally on various sailing yachts and motor yachts. Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean, Pacific Ocean, Asia (Hong Kong, China, Philippines, Palau, to New Zealand) 1998 NZ MCA Master <3000 1998 NZ MCA Ships Engineer Certificate 2003 UK MCA Master <3000 (as UK did not recognise NZ certificates at that time) 2004 first Owners Representative new build project 2016 Founder of Superyacht Charities 2017 Recipient of the ISS Business Person of the Year Award 2017 Founded and started Divergent Yachting Limited a Bespoke Yacht Management Company based in the UK and operating globally. 2018 Delivered SY Black Pearl along with the Oceanco Team to the Client Derek has been the Owners Representative for 14 new build projects since 2004. He has assisted numerous designers since 2019 with developing sustainable / fossil fuel free yachts for various Clients. Derek proudly works hard with Superyacht Charities running 5 events globally to raise funds for various small charities and also hurricane relief projects (www.superyachtcharities.com)

Growing up in Chichester, on England’s south coast, Ed’s earliest memories are of messing around in small dinghies / yachts, so going to sea as a job, while not inevitable, was always likely. After completing a cadetship with Trinity House at South Tyneside College, he spent the next ten years travelling the world, enjoying a couple of promotions, and gaining his unlimited ‘Chief Officers License’. In 2010 Ed moved ashore to work on the trading floor within one of the leading oil majors based in central London as a Voyage Operations Superintendent. He later transitioned to their HQ in Sunbury on Thames where he became Lead Assessment and Inspections Superintendent for the Marine and Technical team. During this time Ed gained a Masters degree in Shipping Operations from Solent University. In 2013 Ed became a member of the Nautical Institute and was elected as an ‘Associate Fellow’ in 2015. In 2016, Ed decided to venture into somewhat unknown territory and became Global HSEQ Manager for one of the leading global Ship to Ship (STS) Providers, being responsible for all HSEQ matters and the safety of all 130 employees. This position gave him huge responsibilities in providing marine assurance globally to the business, working closely with all oil majors, and chartering houses, not to mention their partners across 33 locations across the globe. During this time Ed was heavily involved in industry forums including ITOL, OCIMF STS WG, and the OCIMF EMEA STS Forum which he acted as secretary and latterly as Chairman. In 2018, Ed moved to the world’s largest STS provider acting as Marine Manager (Americas, Europe and Africa). He was responsible for all Marine Assurance matters in these areas focusing on new projects in Brazil, Chile and Peru.

She looked after multiple yachts towards the end of the new build stage through to ongoing management. During the past year the finance department of Divergent has worked closely with the Purser onboard a large new build yacht. We have discussed and decided on a workable finance accountancy package which can be used efficiently by the yacht and management. After qualifying AAT in 1997 Christien furthered her accountancy training by joining the Guardian Media Group assisting the Financial Controller of the commercial radio sector. This was followed by a move in to the construction industry as a Company Accountant and then into a senior finance role within a large property management company. Christien then moved into the Superyacht Industry and took a position as Senior Accountant within a yacht management company in 2011. Dealing with the company UK finance operation and overseeing the yacht management function she looked after multiple yachts towards the end of the new build stage through to ongoing management.

Her extensive event management background has provided her with a wealth of experience and a keen attention to detail. Charlotte’s strength is providing the details that the client needs before they know it themselves.

Richard worked on a number of high profile yachts (in those days) and then went on to establish Global Services. Through Global Services Richard was involved in supplying engineering equipment, interior equipment, toys and much more to over 600 new build projects. Richard’s knowledge of the industry and business is proving to be very beneficial to Divergent Yachting as we move forward.

She started her career as a South African diplomat and managed fundraising and marketing teams in London for thirteen years after moving to the UK. She was a visiting lecturer at a London university for six years supporting an MA degree programme in charity management and served in a compliance leadership role as an elected borough and parish councillor in Hampshire. Lizette holds professional qualifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals and serves as the Data Protection Officer for a number of organisations. Lizette is a longtime supporter of the Superyacht Charities.

With a Master’s degree in cross-cultural communication and diplomacy, Jana is bringing her skills in negotiation and networking as well as practical knowledge of the yachting industry. In the past, she has been involved with a couple of new builds on the owner’s representative team and also gained valuable experience in several roles on both – sail and motor yachts. She is particularly passionate about more sustainable concepts in new build design and various ocean protection projects.