I started my maritime career as a navigator for the German Navy before moving ashore to study economics at Hamburg University.
In 2008 I joined Transas where I began my journey with ECDIS and digital navigation leading the sales team in Europe. With my knowledge and experience I actively participated in product management and development of the Navi-Sailor and Navi-Planner series.
In 2011 I pioneered the first and only ECDIS as a service concept with ChartWorld International and started my work as a global ECDIS consultant - and now as Commercial Director of ChartWorld Group.
By combining end-user knowledge with the invaluable experience I gained while managing a major ECDIS manufacturer, I am recognized worldwide as a leading expert and trusted advisor on digital navigation in the shipping industry - both for the nautical officers on board and for the shipping company's teams ashore.
My path to becoming a Maritime and Navigation Expert began with service as a Navy Officer, gaining five years of hands-on experience on minehunters. Switching to the civilian sector, I excelled as an ECDIS Training Manager, earning flag-state approvals for innovative training programs and contributing to authoritative publications on ECDIS.
In the role of Operations Director for SevenCs, I actively engaged with IHO industry working groups and hydrographic commissions, shaping industry standards. Now I lead the technical service and support organization, showcasing an ongoing commitment to advancing maritime navigation and to supporting the industry with what is truly a 365/24/7 setup.
I am the Director of Product Management & Technology at ChartWorld and my area of responsibility is ChartWorld’s overall product management as well as business development for all our product lines both in ChartWorld and SevenCs.
Having served at sea as a Nautical Officer, I moved ashore and started a career in digital navigation. I was Chief Design Engineer of the world’s first ever type-approved ECDIS: NaviSailor 2400ECDIS. In addition, I have contributed to the development of the international electronic navigation standards (International Hydrographic Organization, IEC*).
As Product Manager for the SevenCs ECDIS Kernel and its related functions, my area of responsibility is to ensure a streamlined implementation of features and compliance with relevant standards.
I've contributed to several IHO Working Groups since 2018, with a significant role in the development of the S-100 framework, as well as working with other notified bodies such as CIRM, IMO, and many more. A core responsibility in my position is leading the S-101 portrayal subgroup as the SevenCs representative.
My career in the marine business started in 2016. I have an extensive background in Geoinformatics and have dedicated time researching the entire process, from first site survey via chart production and distribution, to final portrayal on a certified ECDIS. I believe in a holistic approach where combining different information and expertise helps us see the complete picture of a marine environment.
Based on my degree in Nautical Sciences from Jade University in Elsfleth, I started my maritime career obtaining firsthand experiences aboard container ships on foreign-going voyages. In addition, while navigating Offshore Supply Vessels using both Paper Charts and ECDIS, I also gained valuable insights regarding navigation at sea.
Transitioning into the leisure boating sector, I joined a Customer Support Team where I expanded my expertise across the full spectrum of Marine Electronics and Navigation Systems—from technical troubleshooting to order management. I’ve worked closely with end users as well as technical teams, acquiring a solid understanding of the practical challenges and suitable solutions in modern marine navigation.
Today, as Head of ChartWorld Support, I’m proud to combine my profound knowledge of the technical challenges commercial shipping is facing as well as the special task of providing customer service. I’m passionate about supporting our clients by navigating their challenges with confidence and precision, and I am valuing the opportunity to contribute to a professional team that is supporting the maritime industry around the clock and across the globe.
My maritime career began when I was six, as I enjoyed sailing on the river Elbe in an Optimist dinghy. My love and passion for the sea were born; as a result, after finishing school I decided to join the Navy, where I served as a seagoing Deck Officer onboard minesweepers until 1995.
I started in marine electronics in 1996, focussing on GMDSS, Radar and GPS; joining Transas Marine in 1999, I worked with ECS & ECDIS; there, I ultimately found myself deeply involved in maritime simulation. In this position I gained a deep understanding on maritime standards for training, bridge regulations and interfaces, ship handling and hydrodynamics; I also gained expertise on the requirements of digital shipping for todayꞌs seafarers and those of the future.
In 2018 I joined SevenCs / Chartworld as Director Navigation Solutions; since then, I am responsible for the companyꞌs onBoard Solutions and Chart Kernel Solutions; this gives me the platform to be a passionate driving force for safe and efficient navigation.
In January 2023, I became Sales Director for ChartWorld, having joined the company in April 2020 as a Navigation Consultant.
My career began in 1990, with the German Navy. Ten years later I left the service, to study Nautical Sciences. This reinforced my experience by providing the solid theoretical background. After those studies, I returned to sea, this time as an officer and senior officer on product tankers. My last previous post before ChartWorld was as a Superintendent and Manager, in the Marine department of a ship owner and ship manager.
Each day it is professionally very satisfying to build on ChartWorld’s expertise and innovative strength, in making our customers’ lives safer, more productive, and easier.