The Global Marina Institute (GMI) has appointed Bruce Birtwistle as its chair for the next two years, until 2025.

A seasoned marine industry professional of nearly three decades, Birtwistle is the general manager, Australia, at Bellingham Marine. He is also a director of the Marina Industries Association (MIA).

The GMI is a partnership between British Marine and Marina Industries Association (MIA) which delivers global marina management training. The GMI coordinates with the American Marina Institute (AMI) to provide accreditation to marina professionals that is recognised worldwide.

The outgoing chair, Tony Browne — marina director at Porto Montenegro — comments: “When starting a career in any industry, it is important to see a pathway for progression.

“The GMI not only delivers this by way of standardisation of courses and accreditation, but also offers positions as board members to industry professionals who may be looking to give back. It’s been an honour to have chaired the GMI for the past term and a pleasure to hand over to Bruce who brings a substantial set of skills, knowledge and experience to the GMI and has overseen the design and construction of some of the most iconic marinas in Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East. The GMI will be in very safe hands with Bruce and the other GMI Board members”.

Joining Bruce on the board are Suzanne Davies, CEO at MIA; Clemens Overdijk, marina manager at Sydney Superyacht Marina; James Burbury, managing director at Burbury Consulting; Lesley Robinson, CEO at British Marine; Tony Dye, marina consultant; and Manjinder Mahey, head of training at British Marine.

“The GMI is a great career pathway for marina professionals, and its courses and accreditations are recognised right around the world,” says Birtwistle. “I am privileged to join this esteemed board and look forward to furthering the profile of marina education and the professionals it certifies.”

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