GMBA appoints new chairperson

Veda Pretorius, the Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) consultant based in South Africa, has been appointed as chair of the group.

Pretorius takes over from David Lewin, who has held the position of chair for the past three years and has been a driving force for GMBA since it started.

Pretorius was elected during the GMBA conference currently being held in Petersfield in the UK.

Jouko Huju, one of GMBA’s founding members, thanked Lewin for the contribution he has made to GMBA, saying: “David has done a huge job guiding GMBA through the first years into a very unique, experienced group of industry professionals.”

Global Marine Business Advisors is a group of 19 marine industry senior experts, located on five continents and 18 countries, offering extensive expertise to the marine industry.

Pretorius has been a member of GMBA since 2020, and is based in Cape Town. Pretorius was last week presented with a lifetime achievement award by SABBEX, The South African Boat Builders Export Council, which she has run for six years.

“I have worked with Veda on several projects, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to GMBA,” says MaryAnne Edwards, GMBA. “Her broad-based understanding of the South African boat building, marina and superyacht sector are extremely valuable to GMBA, and the projects we have worked on will assist in the ongoing development of the industry there. As the new chairperson of the group Veda will be tasked with moving GMBA into the next stage of its development.”

The Global Marine Business Advisor group (GMBA) has grown over the past three years with a key focus being on working with businesses who wish to expand their export markets. The GMBA conference being held over three days will discuss several key topics including the current situation with supply chains, environmental and sustainability issues, the position of boat shows post covid, and the current economic climate affecting the marine industry.