GMBA appoints representative in China

Expanding its portfolio of clients and advisors around the world, Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA) has announced the appointment of Godfrey Zwygart as their representative in China.

A former superyacht captain and chief engineer, Zwygart originally trained at the French Naval Academy where he served as an officer on both navy and merchant vessels before moving to Asia as a boat builder.

With over 40 years’ marine experience and having held various management positions, he now specialises in development, management and marketing of world class international yacht marinas and yacht clubs.

In 2010, Zwygart moved to Sanya to build and act as general manager operations of the multi-award winning Sanya Serenity Marina, which has twice hosted the Volvo Ocean Race, as well as the Clipper Race and the youth world sailing championships. Stepping down from his position in 2020, he now serves as a special consultant for Sanya Serenity Marina.

Zwygart is also an author and columnist and has published two books as well as many articles in Chinese. He is a prominent figure in China’s marine industry and has been listed in Asia’s 100 most influential yachting personalities. Awarded the ‘Chinese Government Friendship Award’ in 2019, the highest honour for foreign experts in China, Zwygart now holds permanent residency in China.

“The addition of Godfrey to the GMBA team further broadens the level of knowledge, expertise, and networks we can provide to our clients,” says Jouko Huju, GMBA representative in Finland. “With the commitment being seen to develop the leisure boating industry in China, Godfrey is a valuable addition to our team.”

GMBA says it has chosen to appoint a representative in China as the country has been on the radar of marine industry businesses globally for many years, either investigating opportunities to export to China, manufacturing in China, supporting infrastructure development or sourcing for supply chains from China. Seen as a growth market, and with the island province off its southern coast, the GMBA believes China is set to play a key role in boosting leisure boating in the region.