Global Marine Business Advisors named Richard Haws chair after the unanimous support of the group’s 18 international marine-industry consultants. Haws succeeds Veda Pretorius, who led the organization for the past three years and will remain on the management team. The group said the leadership shift marks a forward-looking phase for the advisory network, which serves marine businesses and associations worldwide.
Haws is a veteran executive with experience in international market development, marinas and infrastructure planning. “I am honored by the trust placed in me by my fellow consultants,” Haws said in a statement. “GMBA has built an exceptional global reputation, thanks in large part to Veda’s leadership. I am excited to work with the management team and our network of consultants to deepen our impact, strengthen partnerships and support the industry’s ongoing growth worldwide.”
GMBA also announced the departures of longtime consultants YP Loke of Singapore, who is retiring, and Annika Lindqvist of Sweden, who is pursuing opportunities outside the marine sector.
Thom Dammrich, speaking for the GMBA management team, thanked both for their service. “We are deeply grateful to YP and Annika for their invaluable contributions and wish them every success in their next chapters.”
GMBA will begin recruiting new consultants to represent Singapore and Sweden to maintain its global coverage and regional expertise.
Pretorius, who guided GMBA through expanded global engagement and stronger ties with industry associations, said the organization is well-positioned for its next chapter. “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of GMBA,” Pretorius said in the statement. “Our consultants bring extraordinary experience and passion to the marine sector, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
