Welcome to the latest issue of The Naval Architect. I am honoured to have been elected President of RINA, and I would like to thank members for the confidence and trust you have placed in me. I also want to acknowledge my predecessor, Cat Savage, our first female president, whose leadership and professionalism have helped strengthen RINA and position it strongly for the future. 

 

My maritime story began in Durban Harbour in South Africa. As a child, I spent time on the water surrounded by commercial shipping and naval vessels. I still remember the scale of those ships and the fascination I felt watching them move through the harbour. That experience left a lasting impression and shaped the direction of my career. By the time university approached, I knew I wanted to become a naval architect.

 

Since then, I have been fortunate to work across government, defence, consultancy, industry and the third sector. My career has included naval engineering, safety assurance, capability delivery, maritime acquisition and complex programme leadership, most recently in major submarine capability programmes. I have seen first-hand the extraordinary quality of our maritime workforce and the increasing pressures on it.

 

Today’s maritime sector faces profound change. Technological disruption, digitalisation, sustainability pressures, geopolitical instability and workforce shortages are reshaping our profession and the demands placed on it. Competition for talent is global, specialist expertise is becoming harder to replace, and the pace of technological change is accelerating faster than many traditional professional models were designed to support.

 

These challenges reinforce why professional institutions matter.

 

RINA’s purpose remains as relevant today as it was in 1860: to advance the science and art of naval architecture and maritime engineering. But our role today extends beyond preserving standards alone. We must also help build a modern, internationally connected professional community capable of supporting innovation, professional confidence, technical excellence and long-term resilience across the maritime sector.

 

As president, my role is not operational delivery. The governance responsibilities are clear. My responsibility is to represent the voice of the membership, contribute strategic insight and support RINA’s long-term direction. The presidency also carries an important ambassadorial responsibility, and I look forward to engaging actively with our divisions, branches and members around the world.

 

My priorities over the next two years focus on three areas. First, supporting the Institution’s long-term sustainability and strengthening alignment behind our mission, leadership and global network.

 

Second, strengthening services, visibility and career support across the membership, particularly for younger professionals, early careers and associated disciplines. That means listening carefully to members, supporting stronger engagement and ensuring RINA continues to provide meaningful value throughout careers.

 

Third, continuing to build a culture of professionalism, inclusivity, high standards and international outlook. Strong professional institutions are built on trusted communities that welcome talent, encourage debate, share knowledge and support one another across disciplines and career stages.

 

Above all, I want to work collaboratively with members, partners and the wider maritime community to ensure the Institution continues to deliver relevance, confidence and impact for the future.

This article appeared in President’s View, TNA May/June 2026