BLANK HOME

Celebrating the next generation of maritime talent. The 30 Under 30 initiative spotlights young professionals driving meaningful change across the industry—from technical and commercial to legal, finance and beyond.

This year’s 30 Under 30 proved to be our most exciting yet. We were blown away by the sheer number of applications, each one showcasing individuals making waves far beyond the day-to-day demands of their roles. This initiative isn’t just about job titles—it’s about people who are driving change, innovating, and inspiring those around them.

From this incredible pool of talent, we’ve highlighted our top five standouts, the nominees who truly captured our attention with their passion, creativity, and impact. These are the people who are not only excelling in their careers but are also shaping the future of their industries in remarkable ways.

Join us as we celebrate the brightest young talent making a difference, and meet the individuals whose energy and ambition remind us why the next generation is one to watch.

Meet our 2026 30 under 30: Ones to Watch

George Thompson

Founder, GT Wings

George Thompson, naval architect and founder of GT Wings, is bringing wind propulsion back to commercial shipping. Drawing on experience with the British America's Cup team, his AirWing™ rigid sail system has secured significant industry backing, with a full-scale installation on Carisbrooke Shipping's Vectis Progress now undergoing sea trials.

Read More

Amilia Busby

Engineering Officer, Heidelberg Materials | Founder, ShipMates Network

Amilia Busby, 3rd Engineering Officer and founder of ShipMates Network, is transforming seafarer support and community at sea. Drawing on her own experience navigating a male-dominated industry, she has built a global platform offering mentorship, networking, and career development, while continuing to excel in her role onboard.

Read More

Graham Todd

Senior Manager Capital Markets, Seaspan Corporation

Graham Todd, Senior Manager in Capital Markets at Seaspan, has played a key role in supporting the company’s growth and financing strategy. Bringing a background in investment banking and oil and gas, he has led billions of dollars in financings, contributed to the take-private of Atlas Corporation, and helped strengthen Seaspan’s credit profile while navigating challenging market conditions.

Read More

Fabian Fussek

CEO & Co-Founder, Kaiko Systems

Fabian Fussek, CEO and co-founder of Kaiko Systems, is driving the digital transformation of frontline operations in global shipping. He has built an AI-powered platform that replaces manual reporting with real-time data, improving safety, compliance, and operational visibility across ship and shore teams, while reducing inspection preparation time by up to 60%.

Read More

David Greiffenberger

Project Manager, Columbia Shipmanagement

David Greiffenberger, Project Manager at Columbia Shipmanagement, is helping shape the future of global ship management through strategic partnerships and operational growth. At just 26, he leads the development of Noatum CSM, a joint venture with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, rapidly scaling it into a high-performing platform across international markets.

Read More

Poppy Haward

Pricing Actuarial Analyst, UK P&I Club

Poppy Haward, Pricing Actuarial Analyst at UK P&I Club, is shaping the future of marine insurance through data-driven insight and innovative risk modelling. Early in her career, she is already exceeding expectations,enhancing pricing models and supporting smarter underwriting decisions,making her a standout emerging talent in actuarial analytics.

Read More

Max Downton

Sustainabiliy Manager, Navigator Gas

Max Downton, Sustainability Manager at Navigator Gas, is helping shape the future of maritime sustainability through data-led insight and practical decarbonisation strategy. Early in his career, he is already strengthening ESG reporting, building fleet decarbonisation models, and supporting smarter long-term decision-making, making him a standout emerging talent in the sector.

 

Read More

Dimitrios Tsevdos

Senior Engineer, ABS

Dimitrios, Senior Engineer & Project Manager at ABS, is helping shape the future of maritime regulation and digitalisation through emissions verification, engineering compliance, and AI-driven innovation. Early in his career, he is already leading complex regulatory frameworks, supporting internal AI tool development, and driving technical excellence across global vessel compliance.

Read More

Alexandra Lyons

US Qualified Attorney, Jaffa & Co

Alexandra Lyons, US-qualified attorney at Jaffa & Co, is building an international legal career across maritime and aviation, combining complex litigation experience with cross-border expertise. Early in her career, she is already contributing to high-value disputes, engaging in appellate work at the highest level, and progressing toward dual US-UK qualification, making her a standout emerging talent in maritime law.

 

Read More

Pranav Prakash

Third Engineer, Maersk

Pranav Prakash, Third Engineer, is contributing to the future of maritime operations through strong technical expertise and a proactive approach to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Early in his career, he is already supporting complex engine room operations, advancing maintenance and fault-diagnosis practices, and gaining hands-on experience with next-generation fuel and propulsion systems, making him a standout emerging talent at sea.

Read More

Hollie Black

Deputy Head of PMO, SeaFocus International

Hollie Black, Head of R&D and Deputy Head of PMO, is shaping the future of maritime innovation through advanced research, project leadership, and expertise in machine learning and safety systems. Early in her career, she is already leading complex global projects, contributing to industry-leading research, and supporting strategic project delivery, making her a standout emerging talent in maritime technology and safety.

Read More

Lina Tenenbaum

Lead Sustainability Engineer, International Seaways Inc.

Lina, Lead Sustainability Engineer, is shaping the future of maritime sustainability through data-driven insight, engineering expertise, and fleet efficiency improvements. Early in her career, she is already leading sustainability reporting, supporting major decarbonisation studies, and advising senior leadership, making her a standout emerging talent in maritime sustainability and performance engineering.

Read More

Reece Cambridge

Associate, Hannaford Turner

Reece, Associate in the Yachts and Luxury Assets (YALA) team at Hannaford Turner, is shaping the future of the superyacht and private aviation sector through high-value transactional expertise and commercial insight. Early in his career, he is already advising on complex multi-million-euro deals and supporting clients across the full asset lifecycle, making him a standout emerging talent in luxury asset law.

Read More

Niall Jack

Chief Technical Officer, Shipnet

Niall, Chief Technical Officer at Shipnet, is shaping the future of maritime technology through strategic leadership, product innovation, and technical transformation. Early in his career, he is already driving business-critical technology strategy, leading major organisational change, and influencing the next phase of growth, making him a standout emerging talent in maritime tech leadership.

Read More

Halima Sadia

Marketing Assistant, ITIC

Halima, Marketing Assistant at ITIC, is helping modernise maritime communications through creative digital marketing, content strategy, and brand development. Early in her career, she is already leading high-impact campaigns, transforming ITIC’s digital presence, and driving measurable engagement across global audiences, making her a standout emerging talent in maritime marketing and communications.

Read More

Stefanos Malikkidis

Efficiency Improvement Managre, OSM Thome

Stefanos, Efficiency Improvement Manager, is helping shape the future of maritime operations through strategic leadership, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision making. Early in his career, he is already driving group-wide improvement initiatives, leading key HR and business transformation projects, and supporting smarter, more connected ways of working, making him a standout emerging talent in maritime operations and organisational strategy.

Read More

Every generation in shipping is often scrutinised, analysed, and tasked with “fixing” the future. Yet, history shows that each new generation brings fresh thinking, energy, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The 30 Under 30 initiative was created to celebrate this optimism by spotlighting young professionals who are already making an impact in the maritime industry.

This programme recognises individuals who are shaping the industry through their ideas, work, and value, driving meaningful change across technical, legal, commercial, operational, marketing, finance and more.

From the final Top 30, five individuals will be selected for special recognition for the significance of their work or impact within their organisations and beyond. These five will be featured on the Spinnaker website, LinkedIn, potential press coverage, and invited to join the conversation at our Maritime People & Culture Conference in London.

If you are under 30 and working in the maritime sector, you are encouraged to nominate yourself or recognise someone deserving of this spotlight.

Make a Nomination

Submission deadline

2027 Nominations open in 2027!

Final Top 30 published

TBC

Maritime People & Culture Conference

Selected individuals will be invited to attend in London

Meet our 30 under 30 Judges

Phil Parry
Spinnaker
Charlotte Kirk
ITIC
James Wilkes
Gray Page
Bethanie-Taylor Grenfell
Spinnaker

The world's largest maritime HR conference, offering networking opportunities with industry leaders and expert-led sessions on current maritime HR challenges. A vital gathering for global shipping HR professionals.

  • London, United Kingdom
  • Next Event: 13 & 14 May 2026
Find Out More

Please note - Nominations for the 2026 30 under 30 are now closed.

30 under 30: Sefanos Malikkidis

  • June 23, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Stefan...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Halima Sadia

  • June 16, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Halima...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Niall Jack

  • June 16, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Niall,...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Reece Cambridge

  • June 9, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Reece,...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Lina Tenenbaum

  • June 4, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Lina, ...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Hollie Black

  • June 4, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Hollie...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Pranav Prakash

  • May 21, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Pranav...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Alexandra Lyons

  • May 21, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Alexan...
READ FULL ARTICLE

Shining a Spotlight on the Next Generation of Maritime Talent

  • May 20, 2026
One of the most refreshing sessions at the Maritime People & Culture Conference 2026 came from Spinnaker’s 30 Under 30 panel, chaired by James Wil...
READ FULL ARTICLE

Maritime People & Culture Conference 2026 – A Wrap-Up

  • May 15, 2026
Over two days, maritime leaders, HR professionals, seafarers, innovators and future talent came together to tackle one of the industry’s biggest quest...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Dimitrios Tsevdos

  • April 29, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Dimitr...
READ FULL ARTICLE

30 under 30: Max Downton

  • April 27, 2026
As part of our 30 Under 30 initiative, we’re celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the maritime industry. Next up is Max Do...
READ FULL ARTICLE

Looking to find out more about Spinnaker's 30 under 30?

To find out more and to be part of the 2026 30 under 30, or for more information about our upcoming Maritime People & Culture Conference, please contact Bethanie in the Spinnaker marketing team.

Bethanie-Taylor Grenfell

Marketing Executive

+44 (0)1702 481660

Job has been added to your shortlist.

Shortlist

Your Shortlist

View Shortlist
Website by ionic.