Edmiston strengthens Yacht Management leadership as division embarks on an ambitious new chapter
Edmiston is entering a defining phase in the evolution of its Yacht Management division, strengthening its leadership team, reinforcing its focus on operational excellence and remaining firmly anchored to its long-standing client-first ethos.
The division is now led by Shelley Dowie, Head of Yacht Management, supported by Deputy Head Timon Fisher. Piers Flood has stepped into the newly created role of Head of Fleet Operations, working alongside by Senior Fleet Operations Manager/DPA & CSO Orry Crews and the wider team. Together, they bring deep industry knowledge, operational experience and a shared commitment to delivering yacht management that is both professional and personal.
Edmiston’s approach is guided by a clear principle: achieving the best outcomes through a team that blends industry expertise, practical know-how and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, while cultivating long-term relationships built on trust. With Shelley leading Yacht Management and Piers overseeing Fleet Operations, their complementary expertise brings together structure and adaptability, precision and practical judgement, technical authority and approachability, all supported by a highly experienced team.
This strengthening of leadership forms part of a broader, planned internal development of the Yacht Management division. A new centralised office in Southampton has been established alongside existing Yacht Management offices in London and Monaco, creating a multi-location network designed to support seamless coordination, operational efficiency and premium service delivery across Edmiston’s growing managed fleet.
Leading the Yacht Management division
Shelley Dowie, Head of Yacht Management
Shelley Dowie’s career began on deck in 1999. Over more than a decade at sea, she progressed from deckhand to captain on superyachts, developing a leadership style shaped by first-hand operational experience, calm decision-making under pressure and a clear understanding of what it takes to run a yacht smoothly.
In 2012, Shelley moved ashore, specialising in ISM consultancy before going on to build and lead two yacht management departments for major industry companies. Her experience spans designing operational frameworks, recruiting and mentoring high-performing teams, and taking departments from concept through to operational maturity.
She joined Edmiston in 2023, drawn by the opportunity to shape the next phase of the Yacht Management division within a company known for its integrity, technical expertise and long-term client relationships.
As Head of Yacht Management, Shelley sets the strategic direction of the department while remaining closely involved in day-to-day client engagement. She works in close collaboration with Piers Flood, Deputy Head Timon Fisher, Deputy Head of Fleet Operations Orry Crews and the wider team, while dedicating significant time to owners and their representatives on complex operational and strategic matters.
“We’re hands-on, pragmatic and collaborative. Our goal is to anticipate challenges, provide clear guidance and act as trusted advisors, always keeping the needs of our owners and crews at the centre of everything we do,” Shelley explains.
Looking ahead, her vision is to build a Yacht Management department recognised not only for operational excellence, but for the quality of its people and the consistency of its service. Ongoing internal development, including the new Southampton office alongside London and Monaco, plays a central role in aligning processes, systems and teams to deliver the highest standards for owners, crew and yachts.
Investment continues across systems, training and talent, alongside closer collaboration with Edmiston’s brokerage, charter and new-build teams.
“We want Edmiston to be the natural choice for owners who value professionalism, accountability and the long-term oversight of their yacht,” she adds.
At its core, Shelley believes yacht management is a people business. While systems and processes are essential, trust, experience and relationships are what make the difference when decisions are complex, sensitive or time-critical.
Piers Flood, Head of Fleet Operations
Piers Flood joined the superyacht industry in 1994 following a land-based engineering apprenticeship. He spent 11 years at sea as Chief Engineer on yachts ranging from 90 feet to 90 metres, developing a deep, hands-on understanding of yacht operations, maintenance and life on board.
In 2005, Piers transitioned ashore at a time when yacht management was still evolving. Since then, he has played an active role in shaping the industry, working across yacht management and new-build projects, with involvement in more than 20 new-builds.
Over the past 12 years, Piers has led the growth of yacht management departments, expanding managed fleets, building multi-disciplinary teams and embedding operational consistency across complex portfolios. At Edmiston, he oversees fleet operations across the managed fleet, working closely with Deputy Head Timon Fisher, Deputy Head of Fleet Operations Orry Crews and the wider team as part of the division’s planned internal development.
“There’s a strong responsibility to Owners, crew and every yacht in our managed fleet. Our approach is rooted in safe, compliant and financially sound operations, delivered with integrity and professionalism, but always with a human touch,” says Piers.
In his role as Head of Fleet Operations, Piers balances strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, supporting management teams, crews and Owners alike to ensure consistent standards and exceptional service across the fleet.
Timon Fisher, Deputy Head of Yacht Management
Timon Fisher plays a central role within Edmiston’s Yacht Management leadership team, working alongside Shelley to ensure the department delivers on its strategic and operational objectives. His deep institutional knowledge, built over more than 10 years in the Royal Navy and 25 years in yacht management, provides essential guidance and continuity.
Timon’s expertise is integral to the division’s internal development, supporting the maintenance of high standards and a client-first approach that Owners and crews rely on.
Orry Crews, Senior Fleet Operations Manager/DPA & CSO
Orry, currently Fleet DPA/CSO, will be moving into the role of Senior Fleet Operations Manager/DPA & CSO, supporting Piers in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the managed fleet as well as retaining his role as DPA/CSO. With extensive experience in fleet management and operational oversight, Orry is a key part of Edmiston’s evolving leadership team and contributes directly to delivering consistent, high-quality service for owners, crew, and yachts.
A confident path forward
With regulatory demands increasing, ownership structures evolving and expectations higher than ever, Edmiston recognises that standing still is not an option.
Under Shelley’s leadership, supported by Piers, Timon, Orry and the wider team, the Yacht Management division is undergoing a structured internal development. This includes the creation of purpose-built management software designed to streamline operations, improve communication and ensure yacht management integrates seamlessly with charter, sales and maintenance schedules.
This carefully planned approach is focused on protecting asset value, maximising operational uptime and building a resilient, people-led organisation that delivers premium service today while advancing operational excellence for the future.
“By investing in our leadership team, our systems and our processes, we’re setting ourselves up to continue raising the bar for yacht management and delivering long-term value for our clients,” Shelley explains.
For Owners seeking an experienced, engaged and forward-thinking yacht management partner, Edmiston’s Yacht Management team is ready to discuss individual requirements and provide tailored support at every stage of ownership. To find out more, please get in touch today.