OUR EXPERTS

Theo's longstanding affair with association management kicked-off in 1992 when he started working for the RAI Association in the automotive industry. During his 14 years there, he studied association management and climbed up to the position of director of the car and truck department. He had previously studied business economics. In 2004, with this track record and a good amount of know-how in association and stakeholder management, Theo founded Hooning Association Managers. The crowning feat of arms of his career so far is the foundation of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss). Under his direction, the association has played a large role in making the superyacht industry visible in order to protect its best interests when it comes to regulatory issues and carve a niche to set the industry apart from the commercial maritime sector. In 2017, together with major players from the industry, Theo launched The Superyacht Life Foundation, a non-profit organisation tasked with creating a more positive perception of superyachting to help the industry thrive.

Robert's passion is uniting people and organizations to achieve things that are beyond the scope of the individual. Throughout his 9 years of experience in association management he has experienced again and again how truly working together can create very unique energy and impressive results. 1 + 1 is not just 2. The art of association management is to utilize this energy, organise the collective and maintain everyone's trust and support. It requires integrity and professionalism as well as a strategic mindset, eye for the various stakeholders and diverse interests, ability to work with multiple levels and cultures, practical thinking and strong communication skills.

Clair is the operational specialist with passion for the maritime & automotive industry. During her studies, she was involved in several projects including advocacy & lobbying, events, social media, regulations and privacy issues. While finishing up her masters in Law, she will put her knowledge into practice for the non-profit sector. With her experience, enthusiasm and legal background, Clair knows how to add value to a wide variety of projects.

Tessa started her career in the maritime industry in 2016 being involved in the development of a database of sustainable solutions for the commercial shipping sector and projects regarding to employment marketing. She then moved to the world of leisure boating where she ran a promotional campaign along with events to grow boating in the Netherlands. With her experience in association management, knowledge of the maritime industry and her Bachelor Degree in Communications, Tessa knows how to add value for member companies, partners and the wider industry. She is a critical thinker who provides a strategic eye to any project, and balances different stakeholder needs with efficiency and efficacy.

Dilan is eager to perform end-to-end impactful marketing strategies by blending core competencies of brands and trendsetting ideas. As an MSc Marketing Manager, she has five years of experience in brand positioning, strategic communication, and lead generation. Up until now, she infused fresh life into the international marketing and communication programs for numerous national & international organisations in B2B, B2C, and nonprofit sectors. Dilan volunteers for initiatives and organisations that focus on diversity and inclusion in the workspace. She is excited to put her expertise to work for the superyacht industry.

Gigi is an expert in strategic marketing and brand communications, having developed her skills through building sustainable business ventures and managing a number of brands across the Benelux region. As an accomplished communicator with ambition to strategically approach problems, she is motivated to facilitate positive change on a global scale for both people and the planet. With a Bachelor's degree in Communications & Media, Gigi is thrilled to be applying her knowledge to the superyacht industry.

Lorenzo certainly knows his way around a yacht after working more than 30 years in the industry. His background in naval architecture and mechanical engineering, along with 12 years as head of the yachting department at RINA and, most recently, four years as secretary general of Nautica Italiana, make him generously qualified to monitor and influence the regulatory environment on behalf of members of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss). With SYBAss being the only organisation in the superyacht industry that has earned IMO accreditation, it is the only voice of this niche market making it vitally important that it is heard.

Hanna has a Masters degree in Naval Architecture and has worked passionately in the yachting industry for over 16 years. Her career has taken her from Marine Engineer to Senior Naval Architect and design specialist. During this time she has created a variety of projects in collaboration with foremen, crew members, managers, science institutes, classification societies and sales teams. This has equipped her with detailed knowledge of superyacht naval architecture and the processes surrounding it. Hanna is determined to create bridges of collaboration to exchange knowledge and experience. Global work towards balancing civilization and high end developments with natural resources is Hanna's passion.