Makiko Karasawa
Makiko is an experienced leader in the global seafood industry with over two decades of expertise spanning tuna, shrimp, and premium seafood markets. Her career began in Japan’s sashimi tuna trade before expanding to sustainable shrimp aquaculture in Australia and, later, international business development with FS APME Group across Asia and the Middle East. As Regional Business Development Manager for FS APME, she spearheaded market expansion and product innovation for the group’s flagship seafood brand Ocean Gems. She has collaborated with MSC and ASC on certification, launched regional World Ocean’s Day campaigns, and advanced sustainable sourcing strategies across 7 countries.Now based in Japan, Makiko continues her commitment to sustainability by […]
John Diener
John F. Diener is a technology innovator, business leader, and investor dedicated to advancing food sustainability. He is the Founder and CEO of Vertical Oceans, an AI-native aquaculture company pioneering one of the world’s most sustainable seafood production systems, backed by leading Silicon Valley VC funds Khosla Ventures and SOSV. Previously, he was CEO of Gold Coin-SyAqua, where he turned around a major Asian aquaculture fi rm to profi tability and product leadership, and COO of an insect protein startup, where he scaled operations from concept to large-scale facilities. With deep expertise in technology development, commercialization, and scaling, John also serves on the Investment Committee of Trendlines AgriFood Tech Venture […]
Rhomona Gounden
Rizky Darmawan
Rizky is an accomplished leader in Indonesia’s aquaculture sector as CEO of Delta Marine Group with a strong focus on the production and distribution of shrimp. His expertise lies in business development, strategic planning, and management improvements, guiding companies toward sustainable growth and operational excellence. Beyond his corporate leadership, Rizky is the Co-founder of Petambak Muda Indonesia (PMI), the country’s first aquaculture organization dedicated to empowering the younger generation of shrimp farmers and industry professionals. He is also actively engaged on the international stage, contributing as an organizer, speaker, and advocate in various industry events and organizations.
Jenny Budiati
Jenny Budiati is a seasoned executive and aquaculture operations leader with over two decades of experience in the seafood and food production industry. She currently serves as Director at PT Suri Tani Pemuka, where she drives strategic initiatives for sustainable growth and operational excellence. Jenny’s expertise spans operational turnaround, value creation, brand development, and the integration of environmentally and socially responsible practices. Under her leadership, PT Suri Tani Pemuka’s tilapia operations have been transformed into a fully integrated and efficient business, covering hatchery, grow-out, processing, and value-added production. A key highlight of her achievements is the successful development of the “Toba Tilapia” brand, which has become a trusted name in […]
Aditya Dash
Aditya Dash is a seasoned executive with a strong background in the seafood industry, combining over two decades of leadership in aquaculture, seafood processing, and business development with broader ventures in hospitality and real estate. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ayana Seafood, the seafood trading division of The Suryo Group, and as Managing Director of Ram’s Assorted Cold Storage Limited, where he oversees two seafood processing units in Cuttack and Paradeep specializing in frozen raw, cooked, and breaded shrimp and seafood products. His leadership emphasizes operational efficiency, product innovation, and sustainable growth in the global seafood supply chain. Aditya is also Executive Director at Suryo Udyog […]
Leslie Phua
Leslie Phua is the Technical Advisor to the Seafood Industries Association Singapore (SIAS). With over two decades of experience in Singapore’s food system, Leslie has played a pivotal role in shaping national food safety strategies, standards, and regulatory frameworks. His expertise spans licensing, inspections, and the implementation of robust food safety programs. In his current role, Leslie collaborates closely with seafood importers, processors, and distributors to enhance market access and foster consumer trust through certification and responsible sourcing. He is a strong advocate for internationally recognised seafood certification schemes such as MSC and ASC, helping the industry align with evolving consumer expectations across Asia. Leslie’s work reflects a deep commitment to […]
Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho
In his capacity as a research associate, Eduardo has supported the organization of academic and stakeholder-engagement conferences, lectured in courses for government officials, and published in renowned journals in international law and the law of the sea. Prior to joining the Centre, he worked at the University of Geneva and interned at the UN Office of Legal Affairs, Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea. He holds a Master’s in International Law from the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies and an Law degree from his hometown Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil. He is an incoming UCL200 Research Scholar PhD candidate at the University College […]
Yanxuedan Zhang
Dr Yanxuedan Zhang is an international consultant for fish trade and market in FAO and a practicing lawyer in China specializing in overseas investment in environment sector. She worked in the Fisheries Administration Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of P.R. China in 2018, 2019 and 2021, primarily focusing on fisheries law and regulation. She has been in charge of/taken main responsibilities for 16 research/consulting projects in relation to fisheries trade and regulations and produced some valuable reports for the legislation and policy-making activities at international/national level. One of the studies was awarded “Certificate of Excellent Contribution” by UN ESCAP and UNCTAD. She also works as an […]
Nicolas Thériault
Nicolas Thériault leads international marketing and trade development for New Brunswick’s seafood sector, supporting industry efforts to diversify markets and strengthen the province’s global presence. He works closely with exporters, industry associations, and international partners to promote the “New Brunswick – Deliciously Canadian” brand in strategic markets across Europe, Asia, and the Indo-Pacific region. Nicolas plays a key role in coordinating New Brunswick’s presence at major trade shows such as Seafood Expo Global, Seafood Expo Asia and Seafood Expo North America, while also managing incoming buyer missions and international delegations visiting the province. His work helps create direct connections between New Brunswick seafood producers and global buyers, with a particular […]