Gina Panayiotou - Founder & CEO, Oceans Arena
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Lee Clarke Vorster AFRIN - Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime
Gina Panayiotou is a maritime lawyer turned award-winning social entrepreneur. With 15+ years of experience in organisations such as the Hartmann Shipowning Group, MSC Cruises, the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the office of the Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, she is now the Founder & CEO of ESG Cons
Gina Panayiotou is a maritime lawyer turned award-winning social entrepreneur. With 15+ years of experience in organisations such as the Hartmann Shipowning Group, MSC Cruises, the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the office of the Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, she is now the Founder & CEO of ESG Consultancy, Oceans Arena.
Gina serves on the Board of WISTA UK as Secretary, is a Philanthropy Advocate for the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and appointed Seatrade Maritime Club UK Ambassador. Furthermore, she is a guest lecturer at IMLI and has been a speaker at 50+ conference globally, while Gina has also been featured in the “Top Maritime Influencers you should follow,” Top 100 Women in Shipping for 6 consecutive years (No.7 this year) and Seatrade 20under40 list twice.
Lee Clarke Vorster AFRIN - Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Lee Clarke Vorster AFRIN - Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime
Lee Clarke is a highly respected maritime leader with over two decades of experience across both sea-going and shore-based roles. Recently appointed Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, he plays a central role in advancing the island’s strategic maritime agenda and promoting its global industry standing.
A former seafarer with the i
Lee Clarke is a highly respected maritime leader with over two decades of experience across both sea-going and shore-based roles. Recently appointed Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime, he plays a central role in advancing the island’s strategic maritime agenda and promoting its global industry standing.
A former seafarer with the iconic RMS St Helena, Lee went on to become Head of Cadet Training for a large international ship management company and has also served as Captain of various training ships, supporting the development of the next generation of maritime professionals. He chairs the Isle of Man Independent Seafarer Welfare Board, Maritime UK’s Pride in Maritime network, and the King George’s Fund for Sailors (Isle of Man), and also serves as a trustee of The Seafarers’ Charity.
Lee is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, a Craft Owning Freeman of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, a Freeman of the City of London, and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation. He is also an ambassador for I EXIST TOO, Pelican of London, and Eyesea, reflecting his commitment to environmental responsibility, youth development, and seafarer wellbeing. With a deep commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and industry progress, Lee remains a passionate advocate for positive and lasting change across the maritime sector.
Richard Holdsworth - Innovation / Sustainability / Digitalisation / Marketing / New Ventures
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Richard is an experienced marketeer, innovator and product strategist. At Shell he led the creation of a number of new digital services as well as pioneering a new approach to working with start-ups to drive innovation through an open ecosystem approach.
Richard is passionate about sustainability and the need to increase collaboration in o
Richard is an experienced marketeer, innovator and product strategist. At Shell he led the creation of a number of new digital services as well as pioneering a new approach to working with start-ups to drive innovation through an open ecosystem approach.
Richard is passionate about sustainability and the need to increase collaboration in order to tackle some of society’s most pressing issues from decarbonisation and waste management to welfare and gender diversity.
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Steven Jones MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MNM, AFNI, FRS - Global thought leadership, partnerships, impact, and communications
Steven spent a decade working as a navigation officer, mainly on cable ships. He has a Chief Officer certificate and Masters’ degrees in both Marketing and Communications, and International Relations.
After working in a range of shore-based roles across maritime fraud, insurance and maritime security he founded the Seafarers Happiness Inde
Steven spent a decade working as a navigation officer, mainly on cable ships. He has a Chief Officer certificate and Masters’ degrees in both Marketing and Communications, and International Relations.
After working in a range of shore-based roles across maritime fraud, insurance and maritime security he founded the Seafarers Happiness Index working with the Mission to Seafarers. The aim of the project is to produce data and insight from seafarers, finding the mechanisms to address concerns of crew, ensuring that the voice of those at sea is heard.
He is author of a range of maritime publications, Past President of the Propeller Club Liverpool, an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
In 2024, Steven was a recipient of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service.