Sail Training International Appoints Vanessa Mori as New Chief Executive Officer
Sail Training International, youth focused charity and organisers of The Tall Ships Races, is delighted to announce the appointment of Vanessa Mori as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Vanessa has been part of the charity’s senior leadership team since joining Sail Training International in 2018 as Commercial Director. During her time with the organisation, she has been committed to the charity’s mission and is focused on listening to stakeholders, responding proactively and guiding the organisation through a culture change, which has enabled Sail Training International and The Tall Ships Races to remain relevant in our fast-changing world.
Alan James, who took on the role of CEO in 2020 and successfully navigated the organisation through the challenging pandemic years, remains with the organisation in the position of Chief Financial Officer and both Alan and Vanessa look forward to continuing to work closely together.
On the appointment of Vanessa Mori as CEO, James George, Chair of trustees comments,
“The Board was unanimous. Vanessa has demonstrated exactly the kind of clear thinking, leadership, and commitment to our mission that this role demands. She knows this organisation inside out, she understands the challenges ahead, and crucially, she shares our absolute belief in the power of sail training to change young lives. The charity sector faces real headwinds right now, and we need a CEO who is ready to meet them, and to seize the opportunities that come with them.
I have every confidence that Vanessa is that person, and I look forward to working closely with her as she leads STI into its next chapter. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Alan James for his outstanding leadership as CEO and glad he remains with the organisation as CFO. He steered the organisation through some of the most turbulent waters we have faced, not least the profound challenges of the COVID pandemic, with an unwavering commitment to our people and our mission.”
Vanessa Mori, CEO of Sail Training International, comments; “I am excited to be taking on this new role and remain wholly committed to the charity’s mission of youth development and international friendship and understanding. Our work is as important now as it has ever been and we clearly have an important job to do for our future generations. As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary this year, I look forward to working with all our stakeholders to ensure that our work continues to remain relevant for many years to come.”
Vanessa’s extensive commercial experience, international mindset, commitment to youth development, and passion makes her a perfect ambassador for Sail Training International and we are confident that her strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding the organisation toward a dynamic and successful future.
