OUR CORE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Alexander Panagopulos
Founder & CEO
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Founder and Chairman of Project Forward
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Founder and Chairman of Arista Group and Arista Shipping
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Co-Founder of Superfast Ferries, President & CEO 1993-2007
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CEO, Vice Chairman of listed Attica Group 1993-2007
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Vice-Chairman of Blue Star Ferries 1999-2007
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Vice-Chairman of Magna Marine Inc. and the Panagopulos Group, 1992 - 2007
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American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”) Greek National Committee
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Lloyd’s Register Hellenic Advisory Committee
- An avid skipper, "APP" as he is known, developed his passion for ships and the sea with the San Francisco-based Royal Cruise Line, the cruise company founded by his father Pericles in 1972
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Pursues innovation in the fields of shipbuilding and environmental technology and has sponsored a number of philanthropic events, including donations for natural disasters and conservation of wildlife

Mark Long
Chief Financial Officer
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Over 30 years of investment banking experience, primarily focused on shipping, transportation and services.
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MD and business head at HSBC where he worked for almost 11 years in London and Hong Kong including as Global Head of Transport, Shipping, Services and Offshore
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Extensive experience in M&A, equity raising and all forms of debt raising
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Qualified Chartered Accountant at Price Waterhouse
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Law degree from Oxford University
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When not working, Mark enjoys hiking, golf and watching rugby

Alan Reid
Advisor, Americas
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President and CEO of Gordon Getty controlled entities for almost 20 years
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Investment Company Institute Board of Governors
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The Forward Funds Board of Trustees
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The Legato Board of Directors
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The FOLIOfn Board of Directors
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Influential in creating awareness for mutual fund market timing and mutual fund liquidity leading the industry to Liquid Alternatives
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Director of Business Development at Morgan Stanley
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Advisory board for FinTech Studios
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Alan lives in Wyoming and enjoys trekking and the outdoors

Antonis Trakakis
Advisor, Technology
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Antonis is the technology mastermind behind Project Forward
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Mechanical Engineer with MSc on Turbomachinery, von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics
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Various positions as Superintendent Engineer and Technical & Environmental Compliance Officer since 1999
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Crucial technical assistance for 12 newbuildings at Superfast Ferries
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Extensive knowledge of dry and wet vessels
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Has worked with Alexander for 20 years
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Antonis’ environmental conscience and love of the seas fostered our patent-pending machinery arrangement
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Currently with RINA but still a proud part of Forward Ships

Costas Protopapas
Advisor, Operations
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40 years of shipping experience in dry bulk, tankers, LPG carriers, reefer ships, have shaped his long time passion for the shipping industry
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Astron Maritime Piraeus, Phoenix Energy Navigation CEO/MD, MD of Fairport Shipping Piraeus, Commercial Director & Insurances for Interunity
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Joined Arista in 2016
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Costas' career includes time as an Apprentice Officer
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City University, London, Shipping BSc., MSc Franklin University
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When not on the operations of Arista, Costas enjoys fishing and building ship models

Alain Bourgeois
Advisor, Fuel Origination
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25-years in energy markets with EDF, Engie, World Fuel Services, Bergen Energi
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A peer-recognized expert: global LNG sourcing, disciplined price risk management, small-scale LNG economics and contracting
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Founder of Glowake, a boutique advisory supporting conscious choices for blue oceans and a green planet
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Recognized by the trade as an expert on fuel transition
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Years of research have convinced Alain that LNG and biofuels present a fast track transition towards zero emission vessels. and clean air in a low carbon economy
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Lives in Belgium, a flat country, but always remembers his adventures in mountain climbing and sailing with an old rigged ketch