CEO
A CEO with more than 35 years’ experience leading complex commercial, operational and strategic transformations across the maritime, technology and industrial sectors.
Ask for the full profileExecutive Search & Recruitment
Maritime executive search and recruitment
For shore-based leadership and specialist roles. Because we have held these roles ourselves, we know what good looks like.
What we do
We are practitioners, not career recruiters.
We provide maritime executive search and recruitment for shore-based leadership and specialist roles. Because we have held these roles ourselves, we assess capability, judgement and credibility, not simply experience on paper.
We know the industry, understand the roles and have the networks to reach people who may not be actively looking. The result is a focused, credible shortlist based on more than a CV.
Focused. Objective. Built for critical hires.
Recent work
A selection of what we have recently worked
01
Chief Operating Officer, Singapore
Global Trading House Fleet
02
Head of Marine Engineering, UK
Port Management
03
Commercial Operations Leader, UK
Owner/Operator
Services
We know the people. We know the roles. We know what good looks like.
Sectors
Where we work
Six sectors, each one a place we have worked ourselves.
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Senior Executives
We have worked within port and shipping leadership teams and held board positions with organisations including OCIMF, SIGTTO and the MNTB. At this level, the right person is rarely found by simply advertising a role.
Ship Management
We've worked as crewing business leaders, led technical teams, superintendents, fleet managers, HSSE and in various vetting roles. We understand the demands of ship management.
Commercial Shipping
Having led global commercial teams, we have deep and broad experience of recruiting voyage operators, agency, bunker purchasing and demurrage analysts.
Ship Building & Ship Repair
We have delivered new build vessels and led site teams in multiple dry docks. With a wealth of current knowledge, we know exactly the skills required.
Maritime Services & Service Engineering
We have worked alongside a broad range of maritime services, from classification societies to marine warranty and surveying, and have been engineering officers and superintendents ourselves.
Port Sector
We have worked at the sharp end of the port and shipping industry, as pilots, port managers and project leaders.
Our method
Three phases, no padding
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01
Choose the service you need
The first conversation is always about the kind of service required. Recruitment, executive search, advertised or entirely confidential.
Result: targeted role profiles and selection criteria designed to find the right fit first time.
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02
Mapping
We don't believe in bloated market maps. We produce lean, focused lists of relevant, high-quality candidates.
Result: you only see credible options. No padding, no time wasted.
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03
Refining and selecting
Every shortlist offers more than one way to fill a role. We provide context, strengths and development points for each candidate.
Result: choice, clarity and confidence in your next hire.
Executive search
Candidates worth meeting
Senior people we know personally who would move for the right role, but are not on the open market.
Senior Maritime Operations & Commercial Executive
We’re representing a highly experienced maritime executive with 30+ years across dry bulk and tanker shipping, combining deep operational expertise with strong commercial and management experience. His background spans fleet operations, chartering, post-fixture, claims and disputes, vessel performance, voyage economics, P&I and risk, acquisitions and senior stakeholder management. A genuinely hands-on operator who has managed sizeable fleets and worked closely with owners, charterers, masters and senior management. With the breadth to operate at both strategic and operational level, he could be well suited to a GM, COO or senior operational/commercial leadership role. Candidate identity and current employer remain confidential. For a private discussion, speak to Stonefort. #Stonefort #Maritime #Shipping #ExecutiveSearch #MaritimeTalent #DryBulk #TankerShipping
Ask for the full profileTanker Commercial Executive
We’re representing a highly experienced tanker commercial executive with a strong track record across time chartering, FFAs, shipping investments and business development. He has built and managed substantial tanker time charter portfolios, developed FFA and risk management strategies, and has experience operating both as principal and broker across clean and crude markets. His background combines commercial shipping, investment, valuation, risk management, negotiation and capital raising, supported by a legal background and an extensive network across the tanker market. A commercially entrepreneurial profile with the experience to add significant value in a senior commercial, trading, investment or business development role. Candidate identity and current employer remain confidential. Speak to Stonefort privately for further details.
Ask for the full profileSenior Maritime Operations & Commercial Executive
We’re representing a highly experienced maritime executive with 30+ years across dry bulk and tanker shipping. A genuinely hands-on operator who has progressed through senior operational and commercial roles, with responsibility for fleet performance, chartering, voyage execution, claims, vessel performance and operational risk. He has managed sizeable fleets and worked closely with owners, charterers, masters, agents and senior management throughout his career. His experience covers: • Fleet & vessel operations • Chartering and post-fixture management • Charter Party matters, claims and disputes • Commercial and operational performance • Bunkering and voyage economics • P&I, insurance and risk • Vessel acquisitions and commercial evaluations • Senior stakeholder and team management What makes him interesting is the breadth of his experience. He understands the operational detail, but is equally comfortable at the commercial and management level. A senior shipping professional with the experience to step into a significant operational or commercial leadership role such as GM or COO. As always, we are keeping the candidate’s identity and current employer confidential. If this profile is relevant to your organisation, speak to us privately. #Stonefort #Maritime #Shipping #ExecutiveSearch #MaritimeTalent #DryBulk #TankerShipping
Ask for the full profileBusiness Transformation & Digital Innovation Leader
A maritime transformation leader with 24+ years of international experience across container shipping, tankers, dry bulk and logistics. Combines deep operational and supply chain expertise with digital transformation, Lean Six Sigma and product leadership to turn business strategy into measurable results. Has led a USD 20M transformation portfolio, delivered significant process standardisation, improved operational performance, developed in-house technology enabled solutions & implemented SaaS solutions across global organisations. Experienced in partnering with C-suite stakeholders, leading cross-functional teams and connecting business priorities with practical digital innovation. Worth meeting for: Director of Transformation, Head of Business Excellence or Digital & Business Transformation leadership roles within maritime, shipping and logistics organisations - Asia to Europe.
Ask for the full profileWhat clients say
Executive search
“Having a conversation with Stonefort was unlike any other agency. You have knowledge that only another marine professional would have.”
Technical & advisory
“Stonefort's penetration into a niche market, and use of deep marine experience to challenge what we thought we needed, was very impressive.”
Executive search
“Your shortlist helped us find someone we didn't even know we were looking for!”
Executive search
“I know I wasn't successful this time round but it is positive for the future. I would just like to say a big thank you for your time through the process, it was very valuable. I hope to deal with you again sometime.”
Executive search
“Thank you for your initial approach and all the support throughout the process. I couldn't have done it without you.”
Insights
Views from the search side
Get in touch
Tell us what you are trying to solve.
A short conversation is usually enough for us to tell you whether we are the right people, and to point you to the right arm of the business.