Maryanne Edwards (Chair Judge) – Global Marine Business Advisors
MaryAnne Edwards was CEO of the Australian Marine Export Group & Superyacht Australia from 2006 to 2018 and has been instrumental in the organisation’s growth and success, which is now seen as one of the most successful and professionally run trade organisations in Australia. Maryanne has a strong background within the industry having spent considerable time working with government and both Australian and International industry stakeholders. Maryanne is currently a consultant with the Global Marine Advisor Group supporting domestic and international companies looking to drive and expand global markets. Maryanne has also recently been appointed to the board of Tourism Noosa and the Noosa Chamber of Commerce.
Barry Jenkins – Former Chairman – Superyacht Australia
Barry Jenkins was associated with the marine industry in Queensland for many years. Completing his apprenticeship and eventually operating Engraving Unlimited, a small company that was a subcontractor to many ship and boat building companies in Brisbane and throughout Queensland. After a short jaunt with Adelaide Steamship Company as an apprentice deck officer he returned to the sign making and sheet metal fabrication company whilst morphing into professional music and hospitality.
In March 1988 he joined Sanctuary Cove to head up the Food and Beverage and Events Department which in 1989 incorporated the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. He was the General Manager of SCIBS for twenty-five years. Industry involvement includes the Past President of Marine Queensland, Past President of the Australian Marine Industries Federation, Founding Chairman of Super Yacht Base Australia and for many years a director of the Australian International Marine Export Group. At the Australian Marine Industry Awards 2009 he has presented a Highly Commended Award for Export Industry Champion.
Dr. Thomas Wechselberger – Project Manager – Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning QLD
Dr Thomas Wechselberger has been the Project Manager responsible for Maritime Industry Development in the Queensland Government since December 2006. He was responsible for the Queensland Government Marine Action Plan 2008, the Queensland Superyacht Strategy 2008 -2013 and the most recent Queensland Government Superyacht Strategy 2018-23.
Thomas is also the lead for the Queensland Government support for ASMEX since its inception in 2011 and runs the Queensland Government’s International Business Lounge at the Sanctuary Cove International Boatshow.
He also organises and is the lead for the Queensland Government stand at the Defence Maritime Pacific Exhibition in Sydney which provides assistance for Queensland maritime companies to attend this important maritime defence Tradeshow. Furthermore, he assists and advises other Government stakeholders in regard to maritime manufacturing, marinas, planning, skills and exports.
Stephen Quigley – Managing Director – One2three Naval Architects
Steve is the owner and Managing Director of One2three Naval Architects, the renowned Australian design firm with an international reputation for innovation and excellence in the high-speed vessel and motor yacht industry. Steve’s total experience to date adds up to over 260 vessels operating in 22 countries, with his career commencing at Incat as a graduate Naval Architect where he progressed to Director of Production and oversaw the worldwide proliferation of the high-speed ferry with Australian designed and built vessels. After 13 years at Incat, in 1997 he founded his own business, now One2three Naval Architects, who 24 years later continue to set the gold standard in the design of high-speed ferries, workboats, paramilitary vessels and luxury motor yachts.
Nav Bajwa – Director Wholesale Banking and Financial Markets – BOQ Business
Nav is an experienced senior banker, having spent over 20 years in financial services, across a range of niche industries. She is passionate about helping Australians grow their businesses and seeing a great idea grow into a thriving business off the back of hard work, determination and expert banking guidance.
Having owned her own business, Nav is able to empathise with the challenges of operating your own business, and the excitement that comes with success. She also knows just how important a strong banking relationship is and enjoys working with her customers to help them reach their goals and navigate the industries in which they operate.
Nav knows that business is really about people, and enjoys connecting with them, having seen how a simple conversation can lead to fantastic opportunities. Being part of the Australian Marine Industry Awards is something Nav is excited about.
Sean Griffin – Commercial Consultant
Former AIMEX Vice President and Board Member, Sean was a long-serving senior executive with renowned Australian marine electronics powerhouse GME prior to establishing his consultancy business.
Currently, he is advising local and international companies in the areas of product and business development, specialising in targeted market entry strategies, corporate communications, and regulatory requirements.
A resident of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Sean holds professional qualifications in electronic engineering, marketing, international business management, and journalism.
Gillian Carter – Director – Pacific Marine Design
Gillian is a naval architect, engineering project manager and surveyor who has built her career over the last 18 years in the superyacht industry. Through her company Pacific Marine Design, she has worked for owners, design houses and shipyards on projects across several countries, and in Australia.
Most recently Gillian was an integral part of the project management team at Oceanco in The Netherlands, running the engineering of the build of the multi-award winning 110m Jubilee. For this her teams’ effort was recognised with the PYC Recognition award by the International Superyacht Society in 2018. On this project, and others, Gillian’s work has combined with that of her fellow panel member, Sam Sorgiovanni in bringing his vision to reality.
Andrew Stirzaker – Commerical Manager – Taranto Marine
Andrew Stirzaker was the former head of the Commercial Vessels Association of NSW prior to the recent amalgamation into ACMG. Andrew has enjoyed varied leadership positions in the domestic commercial vessel industry for over 35 years with operational experience in the management of tourism charter fleets and ferry businesses.
Commencing his marine career as deck crew, Andrew’s evolved and expanded roles within the organisations took him on a journey from family operated Vagabond Cruises to managing the Sydney Harbour based Australian Cruise Group fleet and General Manager of the NRMA owned Manly Fast Ferries.
Continuing to retain his passion for the maritime industry Andrew is currently engaged by Taranto Marine and a lead advocate with Banks Events for commercial vessels participation in Sydney Harbour events including New Years Eve, Vivid and Australia Day.
Kristina Agustin – Fleet Business Manager – Wright Maritime Group LLC (USA)
Kristina Agustin, based on the Central Coast, NSW, serves as the Fleet Business Manager at Wright Maritime Group LLC USA, bringing over 18 years of expertise to the global superyacht industry. Beginning her career in 2006 as a senior seafaring crew member, Kristina transitioned to a pivotal role at Wright Maritime Group in 2014, specializing in maritime business and operations.
Kristina holds a Bachelor of Law with a focus on Maritime, Commercial, and Intellectual Property Law from the University of Newcastle (2009) and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the Australian National University (2010). Over the past decade in her role at Wright Maritime Group, Kristina attributes her success to the mentorship of prominent industry leaders within and beyond the organization, engaging with yacht owners, builders, business owners, advisory councils, career captains, and senior crew. She is dedicated to advancing the professionalism of the industry and has served as a Board member of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) from 2018 to 2024.
Contributing at a senior level within the Wright Maritime Group team, Kristina specializes in contract negotiation, commercial and non-disclosure agreements, terms review of shipyard agreements, insurance policies, and seafarer employment agreements, crew visa, work permit and immigration matters, shipboard policy and procedure, international logistics and customs compliance, EU fiscal matters, vessel importation and shipping, and compliance with MLC, ISM, ISPS, and Flag State regulations.
With a diverse background and in-depth knowledge, Kristina is committed to contributing to the continuous success and growth of the superyacht sector.
