New Business Advisory Board for Warsash Maritime School

Senior business leaders from the global maritime industry, innovators and alumni will be contributing to student success, informing curriculum development and providing a platform for innovation with business as part of the new Business Advisory Board for Solent University’s Warsash Maritime School.

Chaired by Captain Kevin Oprey, Director of Warsash Nautical Consulting, the board features a diverse mix of individuals who work across a variety of industry sectors, with extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.

Commenting on the creation of the Board, Captain Oprey says: “As a member of the School’s alumni it will be most rewarding to support the School in maintaining and advancing its position as a leader in maritime education and to assist graduate officers in establishing their futures within the maritime industry.”

“The advisory board will provide an important forum for two-way conversation, knowledge exchange and insight between the School and the wider industry, and I am excited to be a part of that.”

As well as helping inform the School, the board will enable businesses to gain insights into future trends in maritime education and research.

Collaboration and innovation will be at the core of the board which will be working on a number of programmes and initiatives to foster and develop student success.

Lars Lippuner, Director of Warsash Maritime School says, “This exciting initiative will provide the School with an additional forum for collaboration and innovation with business. It will help us to continue to develop the dynamic, work-ready professionals that the maritime industry needs.”

“By ensuring that the School is aligned to relevant industry practices, research needs and future skill requirements, the Board will benefit staff, students and the global maritime sector.”

If you’d like to find out more about the board, please contact lars.lippuner@solent.ac.uk, Director, Warsash Maritime School.

The appointed Warsash Maritime School Business Advisory Board are:

• Captain Kevin Oprey – Director, Warsash Nautical Consulting
• Francesco Garguilo – CEO, International Maritime Employers' Council
• Richie Blake – Managing Director, Döhle Yachts
• Rahul Kulkarni – VP, Marine Technical Support and BP Trading and Shipping
• Nusrat Ghani MP – Member of Parliament for Wealden
• Ann Pletschke – Chief Vessel Operator, Ocean Infinity
• Jan Wilhelmsson- Founding Partner, Blue Alliance Partners Ltd
• Peter Mantel – Chief Commercial Officer, Theyr Ltd
• Dr Edmund Hughes – Director, Green Marine Associates Ltd