Meet The Team

Mark Upton

Director

Mark has not only huge experience but a passion for the world of yachts. He started his career as a deck hand, then crew, moving on to teaching sailing and navigation. Having gained his Class IV Master’s ticket in 2001 Mark quickly moved up to First Officer and Captain’s positions, working on many super yachts chartering on both sides of the Atlantic. Mark has been involved in the set up and development of a number of prominent yacht management companies. He is a regular contributor to many respected publications including The Yacht Report.

Having travelled extensively aboard a variety of yachts Mark gained a wealth of knowledge in seamanship and management as well as people/communication skills. This experience has taught him that as the industry itself is not regulated there is very little independent guidance available to those who lack in-depth knowledge of super yachting.

Mark set up MGMT to provide this specialist service to serve both new buyers and industry professionals. There are few people in the yachting industry with the breadth of experience and in-depth knowledge to match Mark’s and as a result MGMT is in the perfect position to advise on the most practical aspects of the industry.

Nigel Upton:

Director: sales and charter

Nigel brings 12 years of charter and sales experience to the team. After studying hospitality management at University, Nigel began work in the yachting industry at the age of 23. He worked on board super yachts as crew before becoming a charter Captain in the Mediterranean. Nigel used his experience, skills and knowledge as a Captain to move into yacht charter and sales. It is Nigel who ensures any yacht the MGMT client ultimately buys or charters is the right one and suits their needs perfectly.

Benjamin Sutton:

Marketing and communications

Benjamin Sutton is the Director of Communications for MGMT. He is responsible for developing the company profile, reputation and brand.

Prior to joining MGMT, Benjamin spent several years working as a private charter skipper in the UK and Mediterranean and is a highly-experienced yachtsman. Benjamin has worked on some of the world’s most famous superyachts. Now based in London, Benjamin has been with MGMT since the begining of 2012.

In addition to his practical experience he also holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Maritime Studies where he specialised in Ship and Yacht science, Marine logistics and Maritime Law.

Sam Brockington:

Yacht support and logistics

With a background in yachting running back to Sam’s childhood years, he has amassed a wealth of knowledge for someone his age. Sam has built up a surprising amount of experience working on yachts in areas from the South coast of the UK to southern Spain and the Caribbean, gaining invaluable skills and contacts.

Sam takes care of everything from beth bookings to customs and immigration coordination, he deals directly with Captains and management companies to ensure the yacht arrival, departure and everything in between runs like clock work.

Mikaela Meik:

Client support and PA to directors

With a passion for all-things sailing, Mikaela has spent the last year working on yachts in the Uk, Spain and the Caribbean. With almost 10 years experience in hospitality she has the knowledge and attention to detail to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Mikaela forms the all important link between the office and our partners to ensure all our clients have unrivalled access to the highest quality services they have come to expect from MGMT.

Katherine Goodsell:

Client Liaison

Katherine joined MGMT straight from completing her degree at Oxford University. With a background in luxury goods and hospitality Katherine is ideally suited to take care of the needs of both our yachting and private clients. Katherine is on hand at all times to discuss clients needs and ensure the ever important customer support is always available

Michael Wafelbakker:

Service providers and business development

Michael, a published chef and successful entrepreneur brings a fresh approach to standards of service within the yachting industry. Good is never enough, great is the only result Michael wants to achieve where client support is concerned.

Michael takes responsibility for inviting proposals from service providers and arranging a thorough test of their services before presenting them as a possible solution to a client’s needs.

Victoria Angus:

Charter and logistics

Victoria has over 14 years experience in the top end of hospitality including 8 years as chief stewardess on board some of the most high profile private and charter super yachts in the industry. She brings an attention to detail and creative flair to MGMT, which ensures our charter clients’ needs are not just met but surpassed many times over. Victoria oversees the organization and planning of all charters and related logistics from jet charter to restaurant bookings the moment the charter is booked.

Iain Tedbury:

Catering and provisioning

Iain’s experience as head chef on board a former charter yacht of the year has made him something of an expert when it comes to yacht provisioning, suppliers and all things relating to the guest food experience. Iain has also been heavily involved with the design aspects of yachts and is able to provide valuable advice to clients during the build process of their yacht.

Iain has a huge amount of experience on board very busy charter yachts and, as a result has a valuable list of contacts and suppliers for when you need that extra special ingredient and supplier who gets it 100% right 100% of the time.