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)

As a keen sailor and water sports instructor, John started his career within the yachting industry at the age of 18 as a Deckhand before embarking on a Cadetship with Holland America Line where he travelled the world on large passenger vessels whilst training as a Deck Officer at Warsash Maritime Academy.

Following his Cadetship, John returned to Yachting and sailed on various yachts, including the build and commissioning of the 180m Motor Yacht Azzam and remote worldwide itineraries including Micronesia and successfully transiting the Northwest Passage.

In 2017, John returned to the Commercial sector sailing on Ro-Ro vessels as Chief Officer and later as Master on Hi-Speed Craft where he was heavily involved in training and the development of upcoming Masters and the development and implementation of the company’s Bridge Resource Management procedures.

As DPA and Yacht Manager, John is excited to bring his experience from the yachting and commercial world and looks forward to working closely with the managed vessels to continue to deliver a proactive and personal service which is committed to safety, for which Divergent is so well known for.

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.

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.

She started her career managing a concierge service for the members of a private golf club in Scotland before moving into the yachting industry as a Stewardess. Following her time onboard motor yachts, she moved shoreside to join a yacht management company as an account manager. During her 10 years with the company, she managed the finances for numerous large vessels including Operations, Charter, Refit and New Build projects. She enjoys moving with the times and has been involved in developing and implementing new accounting and management systems throughout the years.

Charlotte has over 10 years’ experience in luxury hospitality working closely with UHNW individuals having most recently worked as Social Sales & Events Manager for Claridge’s in London. 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.