The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) held its Annual General Meeting at The Langham Sydney on Monday 10 November, where a newly elected board for 2026 was formed.
The meeting marked a period of transition with long-serving board members retiring and new representatives joining to bring fresh perspectives to the team.
After 7 years of contribution, AIMEX bids farewell to Kane Bygrave, Director, Aurora Global Logistics and Eli Green, Director, Greencorp Marine who has served for 5 years. We thank them for their years of valuable contribution.
President Jeremy Spear with Kane Bygrave
President Jeremy Spear with Eli Green
AIMEX has welcomed four new Board Members. They include Andrew Wagner, Business Development Manager at Tropical Reef Shipyard; and Brendan Cooley, Managing Director of International Maritime Services. In addition, Kathleen Ferguson, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef Chair and Managing Director of Trinity Fire Services; and Zac Bailey, Principal and Maritime Lawyer of Indo Pacific Solutions.
This years Board formation also reaffirms Tom Hill’s position as a Board Member, having taken over from Steve Fisher in his retirement from Rivergate Marina and Shipyard.
The 2026 AIMEX Board of Directors include:
- Jeremy Spear, AIMEX President, Director, Spear Green Design
- Brad Marsden, AIMEX Vice President, Founder & Director, Marine Air Flow International
- Michaela Claes, AIMEX Treasurer, Operations Manager, Pantaenius Australia
- Carl Amor, Director, Aqualuma LED Lighting
- Zac Bailey, Principal and Maritime Lawyer of Indo Pacific Solutions
- Chris Blackwell, Sales & Marketing Manager, Echo Marine Group
- Brendan Cooley, Managing Director of International Maritime Services
- Kathleen Ferguson, Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef Chair and MD of Trinity Fire Services
- Jessica Gatt, Managing Director, Marine Protection System
- Tom Hill, Director, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
- Nick Lester, General Manager – Sydney Harbour, SeaLink
- Alan Steber, General Manager & Director, Steber International
- Stephen Vincent, Director, Austral Propeller Company
- Andrew Wagner, Business Development Manager at Tropical Reef Shipyard
Jeremy Spear, AIMEX President commented; “The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) is excited to announce the appointment of a refreshed and dynamic Board, blending longstanding, proven leadership with new expertise drawn from across the industry. This diverse mix of experienced members and new recruits from both sides of the country and various sectors will drive AIMEX’s ongoing evolution and success.
As we look ahead, AIMEX is well-positioned to seize new opportunities both domestically and internationally. With a focus on the three key pillars of the marine industry—AIMEX, the Australian Marine Exporters; ACMG, the Commercial Marine Group; and Superyacht Australia—we are committed to supporting the continued strong growth and global competitiveness of Australia’s marine sector.
We look forward to working together with our industry partners to deliver on these exciting opportunities and to further strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in the global marine industry.”
AIMEX extended its sincere gratitude to the departing board members for their valuable contributions and dedicated service over the years, which have played a crucial role in shaping the success and growth of the organisation.
Jeremy Spear – AIMEX President
Spear Green Design
Brad Marsden – AIMEX Vice President
Marine Airflow International
Michaela Claes – AIMEX Treasurer
Pantaenius Yacht Insurance
Carl Amor – AIMEX Director
Aqualuma LED Lighting Solutions
Zac Bailey – AIMEX Director
Indo-Pacific Solutions
Chris Blackwell – AIMEX Director
Echo Marine Group
Brendan Cooley – AIMEX Director
International Maritime Services
Kathleen Ferguson – AIMEX Dir.
Trinity Fire Services
Jessica Gatt – AIMEX Director
Marine Protection Systems
Tom Hill – – AIMEX Director
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard
Nick Lester – AIMEX Director
SeaLink
Alan Steber – AIMEX Director
Steber International
Stephen Vincent – AIMEX Director
Austral Propeller Co. Pty Ltd
Andrew Wagner – AIMEX Director
Tropical Reef Shipyard
About AIMEX
The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) is the peak body for the marine export industry. The objective of AIMEX is to develop and promote Australia’s international competitiveness in the marine sector. AIMEX represents some of Australia’s most successful international brands, emerging companies and firms that showcase exciting innovation and technological development.
About Superyacht Australia
Superyacht Australia is the peak body for the Australian Superyacht Industry. Our key focus is to develop and promote Australia’s international competitiveness as a destination for the global superyacht fleet, to increase visitations of superyachts to Australia and to promote the capabilities of the Australian
superyacht industry to build and service a visiting vessel’s every need.
About Australian Commercial Marine Group
The Australian Commercial Marine Group (ACMG), as part of the Australian International Export Group (AIMEX), is a not-for-profit industry peak body. It is dedicated to the promotion and support of Australia’s commercial vessel operators, shipbuilding and ship repair facilities and manufacturers of a range of commercial and defence vessels and associated marine equipment, ensuring consistent growth and development of all facets of the Australian commercial/defence marine industries and providing key benefits and services to the marine sector base.
