Leadership shift and new appointments for AIMEX’s board

The Australian Marine Export Group (AIMEX) has unveiled its new board structure following significant leadership changes at its Annual General Meeting held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. 

In a major transition, founding member and former two-time president Richard Chapman OAM steps down after 26 years of service. Chapman, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023 for his contributions to the Australian marine industry, established a legacy of mentorship and industry development throughout his tenure. 

The reorganisation also sees the departure of vice president Peter Dowdney after eight years and director Ron Schroeder after four years of service. Brad Marsden assumes the role of vice president, while Michaela Claes takes over as treasurer from Stephen Vincent, who remains on the board as director. 

Two new appointments to the board include Nick Lester, current chairperson of the Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), and Jessica Gatt.

David Good, CEO of AIMEX, comments: “AIMEX has been founded by members volunteering to mentor others and direct the industry body; they do so without remuneration and pay their own travel costs to attend meetings away from their own businesses. They do this largely for others and to help new members become successful exporters. We thank Richard, Peter and Ron for their selfless work and experienced guidance and welcome Jess and Nick to continue this work on behalf of the industry.”

Chapman previously told MIN: “It is very important that industry boards are made up of members from a cross section of industry. Board members must make decisions that are best for their members and industry but not necessarily best for the company they represent.”

Maintaining representation across various marine sectors, the following twelve industry leaders now make up the board of directors:

• Jeremy Spear: AIMEX president, director, Spear Green Design
• Brad Marsden: AIMEX vice president, founder & director, Marine Air Flow International
• Michaela Claes: AIMEX treasurer, operations manager, Pantaenius Australia
• Carl Amor: director, Aqualuma LED Lighting
• Chris Blackwell: sales & marketing manager, Echo Marine Group
• Kane Bygrave: international yacht logistics specialist, Aurora Global Logistics
• Steve Fisher: director of international business, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
• Jessica Gatt: managing director, Marine Protection System
• Eli Green: founder & director, Greencorp Marine
• Nick Lester: general manager – Sydney Harbour, Sealink
• Alan Steber: general manager & director, Steber International
• Stephen Vincent: director, Austral Propeller Company

The new board will continue AIMEX’s focus on advancing Australia’s marine export and superyacht industries.

Image courtesy of AIMEX.