meet OUR team

sanda ojiambo

Assistant Secretary-General, CEO, UN Global Compact

Global Spokesperson Ocean Centres

With 20+ years of experience across the UN, private sector, and civil society, she has led global strategies to scale business impact on the SDGs, advanced corporate action on the Ten Principles, and built innovative public-private partnerships to drive sustainable development at local and global levels.

Erik Giercksky

Head Ocean Stewardship Coalition, UN Global Compact

Senior Advisor Ocean Centers 

Erik began his career as an Advisor to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs before holding leadership roles in various Norwegian associations and councils. With a background in diplomacy, communications, marketing, and business, he has worked across sectors including peacebuilding, shipping, and sea rescue.

Sturla Henriksen

Senior Advisor Ocean, Ocean Stewardship Coalition, UN Global Compact

Senior Advisor Ocean Centers

He chairs UN Global Compact’s ocean-related projects engaging businesses, researchers, UN specialized agencies and governments. A former CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, he has also served on the boards of ICS and ECSA. He has spent decades in strategic consulting and governance, advising large multinational corporations, international bodies and national governments.

Patricia Furtado de Mendonça

Global Lead, Ocean Centers

Founder & CEO of Acqua Mater. UN Global Compact Senior Advisor. Ocean Literacy With All (OLWA) Steering Committee Member & Responsible for Corporate Actions (UN Ocean Decade, IOC-UNESCO). Mentor/Advisor on the water-ocean-climate to multiple youth-led and youth-focused organizations. Speaker at international events.

Jean-Stéphane Naas

Project Manager, Ocean Stewardship Coalition, UN Global Compact

Project Coordinator, Ocean Centers

Besides overseeing all operations of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition, he leads a working group focused on scaling Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) in a manner that is sustainable for people and nature. He also supports the coalition's ocean finance work, which aims to unlock and scale up private capital to collectively drive the growth of a sustainable ocean economy in support of SDG14 and related SDGs.

GABRIELA Otero

Interim Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Brazil

Water, Ocean and Waste Manager, UN Global Compact Brazil

Geographer and Master of Science (USP), she’s also the Lead Coordinator of its Blue Keppers project. Over the last 15 years she developed and led international cooperation projects in sound waste management to prevent marine litter pollution by promoting a circular economy with private sector engagement.

Rubens Filho

Environmental Executive Manager, UN Global Compact, Brazil

Ocean Centres, UN Global Compact, Brazil, Focal Point

Social Communicator and Master in Sustainability & Public Health (University of São Paulo), accumulating nearly a decade of experience in communication management, government relations, and corporate affairs. At UN Global Compact, Brazil, he focus on climate, circular economy, water, ocean, and agriculture. In 2024, he was a member of Oceans20 (G20) Engagement Group, promoting policies for ocean conservation and sustainable use.

GUILHERME Xavier

Executive Director, UN Global Compact, Brazil

With degrees in Electrical and Production Engineering, he began as a professor and spent 25 years as a management consultant in telecom, energy, finance, and the public sector. He led Oliver Wyman’s Climate & Sustainability practice for LATAM. He later joined the Global Compact Network Brazil as a Senior Advisor and is now Interim Executive Director.

Rhoda Boateng

Interim Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Ghana

Program Manager, UN Global Compact, Ghana

Rhoda Boateng is the Program Manager of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana where she leads the design and implementation of multi-sector development programs. Her expertise lies in corporate sustainability, stakeholder engagement and SDG integration where she bridges strategy, partnerships and execution to drive impact.

Tolu Lacroix

 Executive Director, UN Global Compact, Ghana

Tolu works to expand the reach of the UN Global Compact in Ghana and to promote its universal principles. Passionate about gender equality and sustainable oceans, he advocates for equal pay, balanced leadership, and ocean-friendly business practices. He holds an M.A. from George Mason University and a B.A. from the University of Ghana.

Olive Mumbo

Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Kenya

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she holds an LL.B. and a Master’s in European Law, Human Rights, and Democratization. Passionate about ocean governance and sustainability, she focuses on advancing policies, projects, and partnerships that protect marine ecosystems and drive sustainable development.

Stephen Kimenye

Program Manager, UN Global Compact, Kenya

Ocean Centres, UN Global Compact, Kenya, Focal Point

He promotes ethical business in Kenya and Uganda with 300+ members. He leads capacity-building programs to help firms integrate UN Global Compact Principles and SDGs. Previously, he led ESG programs at Arc Skills. He holds an MBA in Project Management and is pursuing an MSc in International Development.

Judy Njino

Executive Director UN Global Compact, Kenya

She has held this position since 2013, leading efforts to promote responsible business conduct in line with the UN Global Compact and SDGs. She supports 1,000+ companies in integrating sustainability and fosters key partnerships. Previously, she managed Ufadhili Trust’s Responsible Business Programme. She holds a Master’s in Project Planning and a BA in Psychology.

Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey

Country Lead, Ocean Centres, India

With 20+ years in ministries, corporates, and civil society, Dr. Atrey is a respected expert in sustainable development and responsible business. Author of seven books on CSR and ESG, he holds a PhD in CSR and Master’s in Economics, Business, Social Work, International Law (Diplomacy, Humanitarian & Refugee),  Human Rights, and Sustainability Science.

Mr. Deep Chandra Papnoi

Deputy Director, UN Global Compact, India 

Ocean Centres, UNGC India, Focal Point

Deep Chandra Papnoi has 20+ years in the development sector, supporting NGOs, business chambers, and corporates in aligning the SDGs and UNGC Principles with core business. For 13 years, he’s contributed to the growth of UNGC Network India. He holds a postgraduate degree in Social Work from Indore School of Social Work.

Mr. Ratnesh Jha

Executive Director UN Global Compact India

Ratnesh is an action-oriented leader with 30+ years of experience in large-scale development projects. He  has supported India’s Ministry of Finance, MSME, NITI Aayog, and others, building multi-stakeholder platforms for sustainable development. He holds degrees from the University of Manchester and University of Delhi.

COMMODORE MOHAMMAD ABDUR RAZZAK (RETD)

Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Bangladesh

Commodore Mohammad Abdur Razzak (Retd), Lead Consultant at Ocean Centre, GCNB, is a maritime expert with 30+ years in security, logistics & crime prevention. Ex-UNODC consultant, author of 8 books & 120+ articles. Holds M.Phil, MBA, Int’l Diploma in SCM. Recognized for research & maritime governance.

Commodore Syed Ariful Islam (Retd)

Project Manager, UN Global Compact Bangladesh / Ocean Centres, UN Global Compact, Bangladesh, Focal Point

MPhil, ndc, psc, BN, is a seasoned maritime expert with over 36 years of naval leadership and administrative experience. Former DG of Shipping, he now heads the Maritime Anticorruption Network (MACN) and serves as the UNGCNB focal point. A decorated UN Peacekeeping Medal recipient, MPhil scholar, and contributor to global maritime policies.

Shahamin Zaman

Executive Director, UN Global Compact, Bangladesh

She is an economist with over 25 years of experience in development. A former Chair of the UN Global Compact, Asia-Pacific, she leads private sector engagement, fundraising, and global initiatives such as “Every Woman Every Child.” She also chairs the Supervisory Board of Solidaridad Network International.

Dr. Randhi Satria

Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Indonesia

Randhi is a maritime expert with 12+ years’ experience in consultancy, research, and lecturing. He led Ocean Centres Phase-1 in Indonesia and promotes inclusive ocean governance by uniting key sectors. He actively publishes and engages in public discourse on maritime security and sustainability.

Meidina Amarsa (Mei)

Manager Environment & Partnerships, UN Global Compact Indonesia 

Ocean Centres, UN Global Compact Indonesia, Focal Point

Mei is an experienced project manager in sustainable business development and climate change spheres in Asia Pacific. She has 8 years-experience facilitating multistakeholder partnership in both private and development sectors.

Josephine Satyono

Executive Director, UN Global Compact, Indonesia

With over 35 years of experience in international corporations, Josephine Satyono also serves as Regional Network Council Chair for Asia & Oceania. She fosters cross-sector collaboration—engaging businesses, civil society organizations, government, UN agencies, and academia—to promote sustainable business practices throughout Indonesia.

YRHEN BERNARD SABANAL BALINIS

Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Philippines

Yrhen is an expert member of the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea and Superintendent IV of the Marine and Technical Superintendent Association of the Philippines. He served as UN MGCY focal point, YMG-Royal Institute of Navigation chairperson and IMO Goodwill Maritime Ambassador.

Engr. Ithan Dollente (TANJI)

Focal Point, Ocean Centres, Philippines

Ithan is a chemical engineer, lecturing math and environmental engineering courses at various universities. He authored research papers regarding engineering for sustainability. He's part of the CESDR-WARM and the G.A.M.E.R.S. Lab research groups at DLSU. He consulted for DOST-ITDI on single-use plastics, and is an advocate of science communication in the Philippines.

Edward Gacusana

Institutional Partnership Manager, UN Global Compact Philippines

Edward is the executive director of GCNP. He led a UNDP project on ICT for schools, managed citizen audits with ANSA-EAP and COA, and consulted for the Asian Development Bank. He spent 15 years at Makati Business Club focusing on policy research, corporate governance, and business integrity.

Ruth BoUmphrey

Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Ruth plays a pivotal role in driving the Foundation’s strategic direction and leading its charitable mission to engineer a safer world. Ruth's background is in research, development, and regulation. She is a Commissioner at the National Preparedness Commission.

Tim Slingsby

Director of Skills and Education Priority, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Internationalisation Director, Ocean Centres

Foundation Lead, Ocean Centres, Brazil

Tim possesses wide-ranging experience of international science and engineering education agendas and provides strategic oversight of high-impact and engaging initiatives.  He is the Chair of the Maritime Charities Group. Together with Beth Elliot, he supports Foundation’s internationalisation ambitions.

Beth Elliot

Director of Strategic Communications, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Internationalisation Director, Ocean Centres

Foundation Lead, Ocean Centres, Ghana & Kenya

Beth is the Foundation’s Director of Strategic Communications and is responsible for the Foundation’s brand, campaigns, thought leadership, media relations and events programmes. Together with Tim Slingsby, she supports Foundation’s internationalisation ambitions. She also discusses the hidden physical and mental safety challenges impacting the estimated 1.89 million seafarers worldwide.

Dagmara Karbowska

Programme Manager, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Project Manager, Ocean Centres

Dagmara has over 20 years of experience in international development with particular focus on the private sector, EU and development finance. Dagmara’s core skills are in partnerships, programme and business development across different technical domains.

Heather Jay

Senior Communication & Campaign Manager, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Project Support, Ocean Centres

Heather is a Senior Communications and Campaigns Manager and is responsible for raising awareness of the Foundation’s maritime work through campaigns, events programmes and media relations.

Candace Bentil

Programme Manager, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Project Support, Ocean Centres

With an academic background in Development Studies, Candace has worked with an international non-profit organization, gaining extensive experience in programme management. Her work has focused on designing and implementing education initiatives that create meaningful social impact.

Nancy Hey

Director of Evidence & Insight Centre, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Foundation Lead, Ocean Centres, Indonesia

Nancy is responsible for World Risk Poll powered by Gallup and delivered in over 140 countries as well as for Global Centre for Safety Evidence. Before Foundation, Nancy  led the What Works Centre for Wellbeing as part of the evidence informed policy and practice innovations globally.

Olivia Swift

Head of Maritime Safety, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Foundation Lead, Ocean Centres, Philippines

Olivia leads maritime safety initiatives at the Foundation and is also currently seconded as a Senior Advisor to the World Maritime University, supporting policy efforts.An anthropologist by background, Olivia has conducted extensive research in the Philippines, in various ports, and aboard ship.

Alex Stitt

Director of Heritage and Education Centre,  Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Foundation Lead, Ocean Centres, India & Bangladesh

Alex is working with partners across the globe to unlock both the value of Lloyd’s Register archive and of a ‘learning from the past’ approach to maritime safety and sustainability challenges more broadly.

Jan Przydatek

Director of Technologies, Lloyd’s Register Foundation

Jan is responsible for the  activities in enhancing safety of life and property through high technical standards of design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance. He sits on multiple programme boards including Engineering X Safer Complex Systems and Maritime Decarbonisation Hub.