RATSEY & LAPTHORN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Classic Sail Designer and Advisor
Highly experienced Creative Director specialising in developing and revitalising heritage brands, Deborah is an alumna of the RCA with a successful international career working with brands ranging from Burberry to Kate Spade.
Specialising in archival restoration and digitisation, Janine methodically works through our extensive archives to ensure that these invaluable documents and records are digitised for future generations.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Independent Advisor
Jenna is an independent advisor to leading businesses in luxury retail, fashion, and beauty. She was previously a Senior Vice President at Burberry PLC, where her leadership responsibilities over twelve years spanned Communications, Strategy, Wholesale, and Retail. She has previously worked with McKinsey & Company and for the UK Government. Jenna serves as a Trustee of the Design Museum and Art Academy London. She is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford and sits on the board of advisors for the Academy of Management Perspectives.
As CEO of the organisation since 2017, Jim Hartley is a seasoned sailing industry veteran who has driven Ratsey and Lapthorn's global expansion and project wins, leveraging his previous expertise from founding Quba Sails and Aloft.
Lucy's 10-year sailing career includes four seasons in Greece as a working sailor, undertaking delivery trips and boatyard work. Now running our loft in Cowes, her IT background further equips her for this diverse role.
Hailing from the Isle of Wight, Matt has sailed from a young age, and is an accomplished instructor. He served his apprenticeship at Ratsey & Lapthorn in the traditional way, and with over 10 years at the loft, he is now our head sailmaker.
Richard, a seasoned Master Sailmaker, joined Ratsey & Lapthorn in 1989. With over three decades of expertise, he is renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship, from design to repair. His dedication to traditional techniques ensures the highest quality in every sail.
From humble beginnings sailing a homemade craft, Andy's lifelong pursuit of speed has yielded a glittering trophy cabinet, culminating in Olympic gold for Great Britain at the Atlanta games. His unparalleled expertise in classic boats and sail design makes him a highly respected and sought-after authority.
An Oxford MBA graduate, Riya has a keen eye for process and has previously worked in architectural conservation and the tourism industry across India and Switzerland.
Sailmaking has always been a part of Gonzalo's life, with his father teaching him many of his skills growing up in Spain. He leads our operations in the Mediterranean and is a highly accomplished sail designer in his own right.
A highly respected craftsman renowned for his quality and expertise, Sam Lee has honed his skills and is a specialist in the fine art of hand finishing.
Simon Brazier, a seasoned fund manager, brings a unique blend of financial acumen and luxury expertise to Ratsey & Lapthorn. His academic background includes the AMP from Harvard University, an Executive Masters in Luxury Management from SDA Bocconi, and a BA (Hons) in Economics and French from Durham/Aix-Marseilles.