Current employer: Burgess Yachts
Current job title: Managing Director Asia and Senior Broker
Current location: London; Singapore
“Plymouth is in a great location and if you enjoy water sports or the great outdoors you have Dartmoor, the South Hams and Cornwall right on your doorstep.”
Tell us about your career path since graduation.
During my degree I did some part time work for Princess Yachts, which eventually developed into a full time position after graduation. I moved to Mallorca with Princess to open a new office for them, but I subsequently left and opened my own business in Spain. I sold my business and returned to the UK where I set up as a consultant. I then went to work for Burgess and launched a new business for them and developed the OceanStyle brand. I then became a main board director of Princess Yachts looking after the superyacht division. I returned to Burgess and launched the business in Asia and am currently working to develop the team through Asia.
Has your career path changed since graduation?
When I left university the UK was in recession and I had not intended to launch a career in yachting. The main change was a shift in focus from smaller motor yachts to the superyacht market.
What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
The financial crisis hit the yachting industry hard; however, we did manage to ride the storm effectively and without making redundancies, which was a unique position in our line of business.
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
The interactive and personal aspect of my work means that I meet very interesting and successful entrepreneurs, which I have always found fascinating and rewarding.
How did studying at Plymouth help you?
The establishment and running of the British Student Yachting Nationals, as well as running the Offshore Sailing Group, was a superb opportunity and an invaluable insight into entrepreneurship and provided the basis for succeeding within the yachting sector.
Would you recommend undertaking a course with Plymouth University, and why?
Plymouth is in a great location and if you enjoy water sports or the great outdoors you have Dartmoor, the South Hams and Cornwall right on your doorstep. Along the Barbican and Hoe you have the diving centre, and there are so many little beaches along the coast for surfers that I can't think of a better place to study and stay active.
For more information about studying geography, please visit our BSc (Hons) Geography page. For more information about our range of courses within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, please visit the school page.
If you would like to find out what other relevant alumni are currently doing, please visit the marine, earth, geography and environment interest area.
