ISS Announces 2014 Officers and Executive Committee

The International Superyacht Society (ISS) is pleased to announce the appointment of its 2014 Officers and Executive Committee. Officers include the president, vice president, treasurer and secretary who are distinguished superyacht industry leaders elected by the organization’s Board of Directors and who will serve a one-year term at which time they may be re-elected to the same post for not more than three consecutive years.

2014 ISS Officers and Executive Committee

ISS President - Ken Hickling; Akzo Nobel - Global Business Development Manager

Ken is entering his third year as ISS’s president, after serving as vice president and treasurer following several years as an active board member.

In 2014 the ISS will continue under Ken's leadership to pursue the mandates set by the membership: recognising excellence, providing networking opportunities, promoting education and representing its membership on industry issues.

Ken comments, “In addition to improving organizational structures and ISS’s outreach programs, in the past several years, ISS has successfully organized the Superyacht Association Alliance (SAA), meeting at major global events to discuss the most critical issues affecting our industry and devising strategies with the aid of the regional associations to implement strategies and solutions. We have also collaborated, created and implemented the Ethics/Professional Initiative.” Ken continues to work with ISO and ICOMIA on technical matters as part of the ISS Technical Committee.

ISS Vice President - Dieter Jaenicke; Viking Recruitment - Chairman

Dieter Jaenicke, chairman and founder of Viking Recruitment, since its humble beginnings in 1988, has steered the company from strength to strength, year-on-year. Responsible for the overall day-to-day operation, he provides a valuable contribution to the maritime industry with his involvement in many initiatives to improve maritime awareness in careers and training. In 2013, Viking is celebrating its 25th Anniversary.

Dieter’s maritime career, spanning 40 years, started when he joined

Bank Line as a deck apprentice in 1968. Dieter received The Merchant Navy Medal in 2010 for services to Merchant Shipping, especially in the expansion of British officer cadet opportunities.

ISS Treasurer - Bransom Bean; Fine Focus - Founder

Elected to the ISS Board in 2011, Bransom Bean was the founding Executive Director of the United States Superyacht Association, vice chair of the Isle of Man Yacht Forum  and helped establish the India Marine trade association, the FICCI Boating Forum.

He is a freelance writer writing about technical and business topics in the marine industry, both commercial vessels and superyachts.

As a Business Coach specialising in Marine Business, he helps organisations and individuals define and achieve their goals. He is also Director of Moore Stephens Crew Benefits.

Bransom qualified in Submarines as a Regular Officer in the US Navy.

In 1996/97 he raced 33,000 miles around the world, west-about, south of Cape Horn and Cape Agulhas in the BT Global Challenge aboard the 67 foot commercial union assurance.

He is a member of the US Navy League, Royal Ocean Racing Club, the International Association of Cape Horners, Professional Yachtsmen’s Association, International Sailing Federation, the Submarine League and the British Chamber of Shipping.

Now 61 and a dual US/UK citizen from Laconia, New Hampshire, USA, he has lived beside the Irish Sea in the Isle of Man for the past 26 years with his Argentine wife, Myriam.

ISS Secretary - Rob Carron; Willis Marine - Account Executive

Rob Carron is an Account Executive with Willis Marine, one of the oldest and largest international marine insurance brokers. As a key team member of the Superyacht Practice, he is responsible for business development, client advocacy and implementation of practice strategies. Rob is based in Fort Lauderdale.

Prior to joining Willis in 2012, Rob spent seven years with Marsh Yacht Specialty Practice as Vice President, Senior Sales and Risk Consultant. There, he played a key role in overseeing and assuring quality service to yacht clients as well as developing business for the practice. Rob’s background also includes commercial claims adjusting with St. Paul Travelers.

As a recognized expert in both the yacht and high net worth services community, Rob is a frequent contributor to various yacht industry events. He is an active Executive Board member for the International Superyacht Society. Rob is also a member of Young Professionals in Yachting (YPY), Florida Yacht Brokers Association Inc., Marine Industries Association of South Florida and United States Superyacht Association.

Rob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas A&M University.

For more information please visit ISS

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