Global Marine Business Advisors expands international footprint

In response to market enquiries, Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) has expanded its global footprint to include two new consultants representing Poland and Turkey. Both countries have a developed marine industry and as such are high on the radar for many global exporters and importers.

Poland has a population of 38 million and a GDP per capita of over US$12,400. It is the largest economy in central Europe and 6th largest in the EU. Turkey has a population of 82 million and a GDP per capita of US$8,957. Both countries play a key role within the global marine industry.

Piotr Jasionowski joins GMBA with invaluable experience gained during his 25 years at the Ostróda shipyard in Poland which has been a part of the French Beneteau Group since 2001. He is a technical production expert and a pioneer in the industrialisation of the serial production of boats and yachts in Poland. He also served in numerous management positions, most notably that of managing director and president of the board of “Ostróda Yacht”.

Industry development and government advocacy is close to Jasionowski’s heart. He is the co-founder of the Polish Association of the Yacht Industry, which in 2001 was transformed into the Polish Chamber of Yachting Industry and Water Sports – POLBOAT.

Jasionowski comments: “My passion is the industrialisation of yacht and boat production processes with a focus on automation and increased efficiency. Being part of GBMA will allow me the opportunity to continue this passion by supporting other businesses in the global marine industry to develop and grow.”

Yavuz Sipahi started his first boatbuilding firm in the Bodrum region of Turkey, focusing mainly on the ever-popular Turkish gullets. The company expanded to component manufacturing, yacht maintenance and refurbishment projects. Sipahi joined Atakoy Marina in İstanbul as Technical Manager in 1989 where he gained strong experience in marina management and maintenance, before moving to the BURLA group where he was the general manager for the Marine Division.

As with all GMBA consultants, Sipahi has also been an active member of numerous local and international industry bodies. He says: “I am excited about the opportunities in the marine sector at this time and look forward to joining GMBA and sharing my knowledge and expertise with the next generation of business and industry leaders.”

Thom Dammrich (USA) welcomed both of the new consultants stating: “Not only do they bring a wealth of skills and experience to our group, but they also have extensive contacts and networks within their countries that will be important to our clients. They are a great addition to our group.”

“I am excited to have both Yavuz and Piotr on board as the expertise, knowledge and networks that they can bring to businesses looking to develop markets in their countries is invaluable,” says MaryAnne Edwards (Australia). “Whether a business is trying to import or export to these two countries, having the right contacts and advice is always critical to making inroads. With the right contacts and advice, entry into global markets can be undertaken in a more cost effective and timely manner.”

Jouko Huju (Finland), a key driver behind the two new appointments, states: “Yavuz and Piotr represent two major boat building countries, and with their local and international knowledge and contacts we will be able to serve our customers with a wider range of industry related and geographical expertise. I am really excited they have joined GMBA.”

Global Marine Business Advisors is a group of marine industry experts, located on five continents and fourteen countries. The group is focused on providing a broad range of support services for businesses in the global marine sector. The consultants currently reside in the UK, France, Finland, Holland, Singapore, Australia, Dubai, Spain, Russia, Italy, South Africa, Turkey, Poland, and the USA. With their combined expertise and extensive networks, they are supporting marine businesses across the globe to drive growth and success in this current environment.