Change in leadership at GMBA as Veda Pretorius steps down

Veda Pretorius is stepping down after three years as chair of Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA), a network of 18 international marine industry experts. The GMBA has unanimously elected Richard Haws as the new chair.

Pretorius is based in South Africa and is an advocate for the region’s growing yachting markets. She is the director of the African Boating Conference, which held its inaugural edition in October 2025, and recently organised a new networking group to coordinate efforts to support Africa’s superyacht potential.

GMBA has also announced the departure of two highly respected consultants:

• YP Loke (Singapore) – retiring after a distinguished career. Loke is a founding member of GMBA and has been a central figure in the Asian recreational marine sector, shaping standards, promoting professionalism and fostering regional–global collaboration.

• Annika Lindqvist (Sweden) – stepping down to pursue opportunities in other sectors. Lindqvist has been an influential advocate for the Nordic marine industry, contributing expertise in innovation, sustainability and blue-economy development. Lindqvist spoke to MIN about the export and refit markets and Sweden’s marine market in June 2025.

Recruitment for new consultants in Sweden and Singapore

GMBA is now recruiting for new consultants to represent Sweden and Singapore. The focus for these appointments will be on appointing experienced professionals with strong regional networks and deep industry insight to ensure GMBA continues to offer comprehensive global coverage.

Richard Haws appointed chair of GMBA

A respected marine industry executive with decades of experience across business development, marina and infrastructure planning, and international market growth, Haws (left) brings renewed vision to the role. His insights into both established and emerging marine economies have made him a strong contributor within GMBA.

In March 2025, GMBA appointed Haws as the organisation’s new representative in Saudi Arabia.

“I am honoured by the trust placed in me by my fellow consultants,” says Haws. “GMBA has built an exceptional global reputation, thanks in large part to Veda’s leadership. I am excited to work with the management team and our network of consultants to deepen our impact, strengthen partnerships and support the industry’s ongoing growth worldwide.”

During her three-year tenure as chair, Pretorius played a defining role in strengthening GMBA’s global profile and shaping its strategic direction. Under her guidance, GMBA deepened international engagement, strengthened relationships with industry associations, supported developing markets and provided leadership on key issues.

Pretorius says: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of GMBA, our consultants bring extraordinary experience and passion to the marine sector, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing my involvement on the management team as GMBA enters an exciting new phase under Richard’s leadership.”

Thom Dammrich, speaking on behalf of the GMBA management team, adds: “GMBA is built on the experience and integrity of its consultants, and we are fortunate to have leaders like Veda and Richard guiding us forward. Veda has led with clarity, passion and a truly global perspective, while Richard brings the energy, insight and drive that will help GMBA strengthen its global impact. We are deeply grateful to YP and Annika for their invaluable contributions and wish them every success in their next chapters.”

GMBA remains under the direction of its management team – Richard Haws, Thom Dammrich, Veda Pretorius, MaryAnne Edwards and Kai Malmivaara – providing strategic continuity as the organisation navigates its leadership transition.