An industry discussion focused on people
Recruitment, retention and career progression affect the companies serving luxury-yacht owners. The announced METSTRADE panel brings those questions into the trade-show programme. Women in the Marine Industry International has announced four panellists for its METSTRADE 2026 breakfast on 18 November in Amsterdam. The theme is building the next generation of leaders in the marine workplace, with a focus on talent development, evolving expectations and opportunities across the sector.
The announcement is relevant to superyacht yards and suppliers as well as the wider leisure marine business, where specialised skills depend on sustained recruitment and development. It concerns a forthcoming discussion, not a completed survey of workplace outcomes.
Four perspectives across the industry
Fiona Richardson is Vice President of Global Human Resources at Navico Group, part of Brunswick Corporation, and Paulee Day leads West Marine as President and Chief Executive Officer. Victoria Low is CEO of The Magenta Project, while Erna Rusi is CEO of Saxdor Yachts.
Together they represent equipment, retail, talent development and boat manufacturing rather than a single workplace model. Michele Goldsmith of Soundings Trade Only will return as compere, drawing on her marine-industry and mentoring experience.
What the panel intends to address
The programme covers attracting and retaining skilled people, supporting emerging leaders and creating workplaces able to adapt to technological and commercial change. Organisers have described leadership and inclusion as practical business issues, not merely the subject of a networking gathering.
For a superyacht business, the implications may touch technical training, progression for junior employees, and the management of international teams. Actual strategies and their effects will depend on each organisation and cannot be established in advance of the discussion.
When and how to attend
The breakfast is scheduled from 08:30 to 10:30 Central European Time on the METSTRADE Stage at RAI Amsterdam. It is free for registered show visitors and exhibitors, with breakfast included, but advance registration is required and places are limited.
The 2026 edition marks five years of the event, with women and men at all career stages invited to attend. British Marine's official release supplies the panel names, timing and the event-specific photograph used here. The official announcement supplies the stated details and the subject-specific image. Luxury Yacht Guide readers should check availability, specification and booking arrangements directly with the provider before relying on them.
