Meet The Team

CEO / Founder

Diane Gilpin leads Smart Green Shipping. She has 30+ years of experience developing and leading dynamic innovative business systems solutions in F1 motor racing, yacht racing, financial information and renewables.

Diane sits on UK Department for Transport Clean Maritime Council; is a European Green Shipping Expert for EU Waterborne Transport Platform; a BBC ‘Woman of Power’ 2020; a recipient of InnovateUK’s ‘Women in Innovation’ Award; winner of the 2021 International Windship Association’s ‘Outstanding Contribution’ Award.

Director / CFO

Ian brings 40 years of experience of management in organisations in industries as diverse as a coach tour operator and the information services division of a major US bank. His focus for the last decade has been on renewable and regenerative technologies, as MD of companies making the step from R&D to commercialisation. At Smart Green Shipping he focuses on financial management and planning, and oversight of the Company’s major, part public funded, R&D projects.

Ian is an overly avid supporter of Liverpool FC and at weekends (when they’re not playing) can be found chopping wood and cleaning chicken houses.

Chief Operating Officer

Neil brings experience in both strategic and delivery roles and is responsible for managing Smart Green Shipping's software development. His career has spanned organisations from small startups to large enterprises, using innovative technology at each to solve real-world challenges.

With a focus on the customer, he will ensure that all SGS’s products are aligned to overall vision and mission of the company.

With a young family, Neil spends his spare time catching up on sleep and attempting to get fit.

FastReach Commercial Manager

Frankie is Commercial Manager at Smart Green Shipping, where he is working to develop our customer proposition. Having previously worked in project delivery for Smart Green Shipping during the initial Feasibility Study in 2018/19, he then moved into the software industry before returning here. Prior to this, Frankie completed a Master’s Degree at Lancaster University with a thesis in the implementation of renewable technologies in the shipping industry.

His primary focus is ensuring frictionless access to our technology to allow for a simple and flexible customer journey.

In his spare time, Frankie is a keen player and watcher of football, and is a Liverpool fan.

Head of Communications

Samira Nadkarni is an experienced public relations and communications professional with over a decade of experience in maritime, offshore, and renewables sectors. At Smart Green Shipping, she leads our internal and external communications with a focus on clear, consistent messaging that supports business development, brand visibility, and stakeholder engagement.

Samira brings a rare blend of strategic insight and creative execution to her role — translating complex technological concepts into compelling narratives across print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Her work spans everything from whitepapers and press releases to videos, infographics, and social media strategy, all underpinned by data-led performance tracking and a commitment to agile communication planning.

Prior to joining SGS, Samira was Head of Content at Intent Communications Ltd. Her earlier career as a maritime journalist and editor has established her as a trusted voice in the industry, with a focus on seafarer safety, maritime innovation, and sustainability.

Organisational Services Manager

With over 30 years of experience across the private, public, charity, and community sectors, Isla brings a broad and valuable business perspective to her role at Smart Green Shipping. She leads our organisational services function, overseeing day-to-day operations and internal systems to ensure they run efficiently and effectively in support of the company’s sustainable growth.

Isla plays a central role in improving and streamlining core business processes, supporting the team  and enhancing internal operations. Her responsibilities include managing employee benefits programmes, such as private healthcare, ensuring compliance with employment law, and developing and implementing HR policies. Isla also provides confidential administrative and strategic support to both the CEO and CFO as well as providing a secretariat function to the Smart Green Shipping Board and senior leaders.

Outside of work, Isla enjoys creating mosaic art from discarded materials and spends time growing flowers and vegetables in her garden—reflecting both her creativity and commitment to sustainability.

Site Technician / Supervisor

Qualifying as a Land surveyor from university, an opportunity arose to work in one of the most picturesque places on earth, in Queenstown New Zealand.

Whilst there, time spent in the hospitality and tourism industry opened a door to work for one of the largest tourism operators in New Zealand, operating Americas Cup and Whitbread round-the-world yachts for tourism and youth development trips.

Having moved to Scotland and worked in the superyacht industry over the past two years, an opportunity to join Smart Green Shipping has arisen at the start of this year.

Marketing Assistant

As Marketing Assistant, Nadine is responsible for maintaining Smart Green Shipping’s dynamic social media presence, ensuring the website is up-to-date and engaging, and overseeing all design-related tasks.

Nadine graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and has a background working in interior styling, creative design, administrative, and financial services roles.

She enjoys exploring all things creative, dancing, taking nature walks, and finding the patience to feed wild birds from her hand.

Lead Angel Investor

Following a career in investment banking, Hylton established Wingate Ventures focussed on innovative investments in sustainability. Projects successfully implemented include Agrivert (anaerobic digestion) ; Geothermal International (heat pumps); NexGen ( biodegradable tree guards) and Karbon ( carbon capture and storage).

Hylton is Chairman of Global Canopy, an NGO dedicated to conserving tropical rainforests, and was Special Advisor to HRH the Prince of Wales’s Rainforests Project.

Hylton’s family originally came from the Borders, but he now farms in Leicestershire where he has pioneered the first measured (as opposed to modelled ) soil carbon credits.

Representing investor - Pharaon Family

Raad is a qualified environmental lawyer and board member at Smart Green Shipping, bringing a wealth of expertise in sustainable practices. With experience working with large corporations from numerous sectors on their decarbonisation commitments and sustainable communications, Raad excels in integrating legal and business strategies to foster eco-friendly business solutions.

Holding a Master’s in Business, specialising in sustainable energy production, Raad drives transformative initiatives to promote environmental compliance and advance innovative solutions. Passionate about sustainable development and marine biodiversity, Raad is dedicated to advancing Smart Green Shipping's mission of accelerating shipping’s green transition.

Representing investor - MOL Drybulk Ltd

Henry is a shipping industry professional with 10 years of experience in dry bulk shipping. He graduated with an MSc in International Transport from Cardiff University.

He currently works for MOL Europe Africa Ltd, a subsidiary of leading dry bulk shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. He is also the UK representative for MOL+, a venture capital fund which focuses on environmental solutions and the Blue economy.

Henry sits on SGS Board representing MOL Dry Bulk who are SGS investors.