Women in the Marine Industry International announces Metstrade panel
Michele Goldsmith returns as compere for the Women in the Marine Industry event at Metstrade
Women in the Marine Industry International has announced the speakers for its annual Panel & Networking Breakfast at Metstrade 2026, taking place on Wednesday 18 November.
The free, in-person event will be held on the Metstrade Stage and requires registration. This year’s discussion is titled Future of the Marine Workplace: Building the Next Generation of Leaders.
The panel will include Fiona Richardson, vice president of global human resources at Brunswick Corporation’s Navico Group, Paulee Day, president and CEO of West Marine, Victoria Low, CEO of The Magenta Project, and Erna Rusi, CEO of Saxdor Yachts.
The discussion will look at issues affecting the marine industry’s workforce, including talent recruitment and retention, leadership development, workplace inclusion and changing employee expectations. The panellists bring experience from areas including global business, retail, operations, marketing, human resources, diversity and marine manufacturing.
Meet the 2026 panel
Fiona Richardson supports business leaders and teams across Brunswick Corporation’s global organisation. Her career includes business transformation, organisational development, talent and leadership, with international experience gained while working from Europe.
Her work has included organisational change, leadership development and talent retention, as well as efforts to create workplaces that incorporate different perspectives.
Paulee Day was appointed president and CEO of West Marine in November 2025. She has more than 20 years of experience in the marine industry, including 15 years with MarineMax.
Since joining West Marine in 2022, Day has held senior leadership roles covering legal, human resources, administration and operations. She also serves on the boards of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).
Victoria Low leads The Magenta Project, an international organisation focused on opportunities for women in professional sailing and the wider marine industry. She has 30 years of experience in the marine sector, including work in diversity, inclusion and leadership development.
The Magenta Project has supported more than 300 women through mentoring, leadership development and pathway programmes, with a further 100 currently participating. Low also led the development of the 2×25 Review, which surveyed 2,500 people across 68 countries on gender equity in sailing and marine industries.
Erna Rusi has experience in sales, marketing, brand development, entrepreneurship and business leadership. After beginning her career with Nordic telecommunications company Telia and moving into entrepreneurship in 2019, she joined Saxdor in late 2021.
During her five years leading the company, Saxdor reached revenues of €180m in 2025. The company was acquired by Malibu Boats Incorporated in March 2026.
Guiding the conversation
Michele Goldsmith will return as compere. Goldsmith is vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group and founder of the Women in the Industry programmes.
She has more than 35 years of experience across manufacturing, product development, marketing, sales and marine media. Goldsmith founded the Women in the Industry series of programmes and events and has led initiatives including “Pitch the Pros” and the “1+1 Mentoring Programme”.
She received the 2023 Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award and the 2024 Alan J. Freedman Memorial Leadership Award.
Speaking about the event and this year’s panel, Goldsmith comments: “It is hard to believe that this year marks our five year anniversary of the first event specifically focused on women working in the marine industry at Metstrade. This year’s panel is comprised of four brilliant and forward-thinking leaders with very different experiences, perspectives and career journeys. That diversity is exactly what makes these conversations so valuable.
“This year we’re looking firmly to the future: how we attract the next generation of leaders, nurture their talent and create opportunities that develop the leaders our industry will need to thrive in the future. These aren’t challenges for one part of the sector – they matter to every marine business.
“I look forward to celebrating five years of connecting and learning, and I encourage women and men at every stage of their careers to join us with an open mind, ready to listen, learn, make new connections and have some fun. As ever, our goal is to offer new ideas and perspectives that you can implement in your business and life.”
Five years of the Metstrade event
The 2026 event marks the fifth anniversary of Women in the Marine Industry International at Metstrade.
British Marine, Metstrade, the Soundings Trade Only Group and Marine Industry News host the annual event, which brings together women working across the marine industry and other members of the sector.
The event is open to women and men at different stages of their careers, including those entering the industry, emerging leaders and senior executives. The programme includes a panel discussion, networking and breakfast.
Event details
Women in the Marine Industry International Panel & Networking Breakfast
Date: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Time: 08.30 – 10.30 CET
Venue: Metstrade Stage, RAI Amsterdam
Complimentary breakfast included
Free to attend for registered Metstrade visitors and exhibitors
All genders are welcome
Attendance is free, although registration is required. Places are limited, and registration provides access to the venue before the show officially opens.
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