The International Superyacht Society (ISS) is delighted to present its 2014 Officers and Executive Committee. Officers comprise the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, who are distinguished superyacht industry leaders, elected by the organization’s Board of Directors. They will serve a one-year term, at which time they may be re-elected to the same post for not more than three consecutive years.
The ISS Executive Committee is comprised of the Officers, a Board Representative—who is appointed by the incoming President—and the Past President.The Board of Directors election is held annually in January. The new Board is seated on 1 February with eight directors elected to serve three-year terms. Nominations to the ISS Board of Directors are currently open to ISS members. Nominations may be made until 20 December 2013 by sending name, title, biographies and photos to info@superyachtsociety.org.2014
ISS Officers and Executive Committee
ISS President—Ken Hickling; Akzo Nobel—Global Business Development Manager
Ken is entering his third year as ISS’s President, after serving as Vice President and Treasurer following several years as an active board member. In 2014 the ISS will continue under Ken’s leadership to pursue the mandates set by the membership: recognising excellence, providing networking opportunities, promoting education and representing its membership on industry issues.
Ken Hickling
Ken comments, “In addition to improving organizational structures and ISS’s outreach programs, in the past several years, ISS has successfully organized the Superyacht Association Alliance (SAA), meeting at major global events to discuss the most critical issues affecting our industry and devising strategies with the aid of the regional associations to implement strategies and solutions. We have also collaborated, created and implemented the Ethics/Professional Initiative.” Ken continues to work with ISO and ICOMIA on technical matters as part of the ISS Technical Committee.
ISS Vice President—Dieter Jaenicke; Viking Recruitment—Chairman
Dieter Jaenicke, Chairman and Founder of Viking Recruitment, since its humble beginnings in 1988, has steered the company from strength to strength, year-on-year. Responsible for the overall day-to-day operation, he provides a valuable contribution to the maritime industry with his involvement in many initiatives to improve maritime awareness in careers and training. In 2013, Viking is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Dieter’s maritime career, spanning 40 years, started when he joined Bank Line as a deck apprentice in 1968.
Dieter Jaenicke
Dieter received The Merchant Navy Medal in 2010 for services to Merchant Shipping, especially in the expansion of British officer cadet opportunities.
In total, his leadership skills and membership commitments include:
– of the Institute of Directors
– Fellow of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals
– Member of the British Chamber of Shipping
– Member of the British Marine Federation
– Board Member of Super Yacht UK
– Member of the Passenger Ship Association
– Channel Chamber of Commerce
– Dover Chamber of Commerce
ISS Treasurer—Bransom Bean; Fine Focus—Founder
Elected to the ISS Board in 2011, Bransom Bean was the founding Executive Director of the United States Superyacht Association, Vice Chair of the Isle of Man Yacht Forum and helped establish the India Marine trade association, the FICCI Boating Forum.
Bransom Bean
He is a freelance writer writing about technical and business topics in the marine industry, both commercial vessels and superyachts.
As a Business Coach specialising in Marine Business, he helps organisations and individuals define and achieve their goals. He is also Director of Moore Stephens Crew Benefits.
Bransom qualified in Submarines as a Regular Officer in the US Navy.
In 1996/97 he raced 33,000 miles around the world, west-about, south of Cape Horn and Cape Agulhas in the BT Global Challenge aboard the 67 foot COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE.
He is a member of the US Navy League, Royal Ocean Racing Club, the International Association of Cape Horners, Professional Yachtsmen’s Association, International Sailing Federation, the Submarine League and the British Chamber of Shipping.
Now 61 and a dual US/UK citizen from Laconia, New Hampshire, USA, he has lived beside the Irish Sea in the Isle of Man for the past 26 years with his Argentine wife, Myriam.
ISS Secretary—Rob Carron; Willis Marine—Account Executive
Rob Carron is an Account Executive with Willis Marine, one of the oldest and largest international marine insurance brokers. As a key team member of the Superyacht Practice, he is responsible for business development, client advocacy and implementation of practice strategies. Rob is based in Fort Lauderdale.
Rob Carron
Prior to joining Willis in 2012, Rob spent seven years with Marsh Yacht Specialty Practice as Vice President, Senior Sales and Risk Consultant. There, he played a key role in overseeing and assuring quality service to yacht clients as well as developing business for the practice. Rob’s background also includes commercial claims adjusting with St. Paul Travelers.
As a recognized expert in both the yacht and high net worth services community, Rob is a frequent contributor to various yacht industry events. He is an active Executive Board member for the International Superyacht Society. Rob is also a member of Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY), Florida Yacht Brokers Association Inc., Marine Industries Association of South Florida and United States Superyacht Association.
Rob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas A&M University.
ISS Board Representative—Norma Trease; Director of Salamanca Group’s Marine Division
Norma Trease, currently a member of the ISS Executive Board of Directors, has been a central leader in organizing ISS activities for many years, helping launch crew education programs, as administrator of the ISS Awards of Distinction, and also helping organize international Members Mixers held at boats shows worldwide. Beginning her long yachting career as a crewmember, Norma was a pioneer in the crew placement business; is well-known as an editor and contributor to leading yachting and financial publications; she now works as Director of Salamanca Group’s Marine Division.
Norma Trease
ISS Past President—Bob Saxon; International Yacht Collection—President
Bob Saxon served his second term as ISS President from 2010 to 2012. He is also ISS’s Founding President (1990-1993) and worked for many years as Co-Chair of the Gala Committee. Bob Saxon has been an avid supporter, member and officer of ISS from the start. He is a well known steward of industry ethics and is considered by most as the “father” of effective yacht management. Bob now holds the position of CEO at International Yacht Collection and formally held such positions at FYBA, Camper and Nicholsons and Bob Saxon and Associates.
Bob Saxon
