The marine industry talks frequently about new boats and new technology, but every growth plan eventually reaches the same constraint: finding people capable of designing, building, selling and supporting them. METSTRADE’s 2026 Women in the Marine Industry International panel will put that workforce question at the centre of its discussion.
The panel brings together leaders from Brunswick Corporation’s Navico Group, West Marine, The Magenta Project and Saxdor Yachts. Its theme is the future of the marine workplace and how the industry develops the next generation of leaders.
The speakers represent very different parts of the sector
Fiona Richardson brings global HR and organisational-development experience from Brunswick’s Navico Group, while Paulee Day leads West Marine after more than two decades in the marine industry. Victoria Low heads The Magenta Project, which focuses on pathways for women in professional sailing and the wider sector.
Saxdor chief executive Erna Rusi adds the perspective of a fast-growing boatbuilder. METSTRADE notes that Saxdor reached €180 million in revenue in 2025 before its acquisition by Malibu Boats in March 2026.
Talent retention is becoming a business issue
The discussion will cover attracting and retaining people, developing emerging leaders and building high-performing workplaces. These subjects become increasingly important as marine companies compete with technology, automotive and engineering sectors for the same skilled workforce.
For owners, staffing issues can feel distant until they affect delivery dates, servicing or dealer quality. A shortage of capable technicians, managers or sales professionals eventually becomes an ownership problem even if it begins inside the business.
The event has grown over five years
2026 marks the fifth anniversary of the Women in the Marine Industry International event at METSTRADE. Organisers say it has developed into the largest event at the METSTRADE theatre and now attracts participants across different career stages and genders.
That growth reflects a broader industry need for stronger professional networks and clearer career pathways. Marine businesses are often highly specialised, so people can struggle to see how experience in one area transfers into leadership elsewhere.
Leadership is part of the industry’s capacity to grow
The panel takes place on 18 November at RAI Amsterdam and is open to registered METSTRADE visitors and exhibitors. The conversation is intended to produce practical ideas that companies can apply to talent development and workplace culture.
For LYG, the relevance is straightforward: better yachts require better organisations behind them. Product innovation can attract attention, but the long-term quality of the market depends on whether marine businesses can develop enough skilled people to support owners properly.
