Philip Clausius founded Transport Capital in 2013. Apart from the overall management responsibility for the firm, he also heads the maritime franchise.

Prior to founding Transport Capital, he was the Co-Founder & CEO of the FSL Group – a Singapore-based provider of leasing services to the international shipping industry.

During his tenure at FSL (2003 – 2013), he oversaw the acquisition, financing, and deployment of approximately US$1 billion in maritime assets. He was also the driving force behind the highly successful IPO of FSL Trust in March 2007 which raised about US$330 million in equity proceeds in a globally marketed offering culminating in FSL Trust listing on the SGX Mainboard.

With more than 30 years of experience in various entrepreneurial roles in shipping and ship finance, he has worked and lived in Europe, USA, and for the last 18 years in Singapore.

Philip is also an Independent Non-Executive Director of ASX listed Wellard, a Non-Executive Director of Bengal Tiger Line, as well as Chairman of the Singapore War Risks Mutual.

Philip graduated from the European Business School, Germany in 1992 with the “Diplom-Betriebswirt” degree and completed the Advanced Management Programme of INSEAD in July 2023.

Joshua Politis is the Deputy Managing Partner of the Transport Capital Group, having joined in 2019. He also co-founded and leads the MarImpact and TC Ventures businesses.

He shares overall responsibility for the strategy and performance of the Group, with a special focus on driving its sustainability agenda and spearheading maritime decarbonisation activities.

Bringing 20 years of experience, Joshua has a global perspective and a senior-level network across four continents within the maritime and offshore energy industries. His career spans roles in general management, commercial management, business and corporate development and operations. Prior to Transport Capital, he was the Director & General Manager of Asia Pacific at SEACOR Marine, overseeing operations and leading over USD300 million of M&A and restructuring deals in the Asian region.

Joshua is also a Non-Executive Director at Britoil Offshore Services, Member of the Advisory Board at Turtle and an Industry Sector Expert at Seahawk Investments.

Joshua holds an Executive MBA from the Singapore Management University.

Soeren joined in 2014 and leads the Group’s aviation franchise. Prior to Transport Capital, Soeren was the Managing Director and Member of the Board at AFPL – a privately owned aircraft lessor, he was also Non-Executive Chairman of Bravo Passenger Solutions, a Singaporean IT services provider to airlines and is concurrently the Chief Commercial Officer of the aircraft leasing company Avation plc.

Up until 2010, Soeren was the CEO at AerCap Group Services (NYSE: AER) – one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies with a fleet of 1300 aircraft. Soeren also held other positions at AerCap, including Head of Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Asia Pacific, Head of Asia Pacific, and Vice President of Marketing Asia Pacific. AerCap grew its portfolio from US$2 billion to US$10 billion during the 7 years Soeren worked there. Before his tenure at AerCap, Soeren was working at leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus as Sales Director Pacific and China (1997-2003) and General Manager Marketing China (1995-1997).

Soeren graduated with an engineering degree from ENAC – the French National School for Civil Aviation.

Since the company’s inception in 2013, Lay San is responsible for asset management and reporting functions for all asset management mandates. She also oversees risk, legal and insurance matters.

Prior to Transport Capital, she was the Chief Risk Officer (2006-2013) at FSL Trust Management Pte. Ltd., the Trustee-Manager of First Ship Lease Trust (a shipping trust listed on the SGX Mainboard), where she was instrumental in the development of proprietary risk management protocols and headed the risk management team in charge of the risk assessment and risk monitoring processes.

Lay San began her career at DBS Bank in 1995 as a Corporate Banker responsible for both relationship and credit management of large corporate clients engaged in shipping, logistics, communications and property development.

From 2003 to 2006, she was a Credit Approver covering the transport and logistics industry with responsibility for approving/supporting credit recommendations and counterpart risk ratings.

She holds a Master of International Management (Honours) degree from Thunderbird, The American Graduate School of International Management, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours and Distinction) degree from the University of Iowa, USA.

Nicole was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Transport Capital in August 2022. She is responsible for group accounts, tax, finance and treasury functions of the Transport Capital group of companies.  Nicole joined Transport Capital in 2014 as Head of Accounting.

Prior to joining Transport Capital, she was the Finance Manager (2006-2014) of FSL Trust Management Pte. Ltd., the Trustee-Manager of First Ship Lease Trust (a shipping trust listed on the SGX Mainboard), where she worked closely with the Chief Financial Officer on all financial and tax matters.

Nicole began her career with Ernst and Young Singapore as a financial auditor in 2002 and focused on the audits of publicly listed and multi-national corporations.

She holds a Master of Applied Finance degree from Macquarie University, Australia and a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) degree from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She is a Chartered Accountant with Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

Evguenia joined in 2017 and leads the Group’s corporate finance function. She has over 15 years of experience in investment banking and corporate finance. She is responsible for financial advisory transactions in the maritime and aviation sectors, including debt raising, equity raising, restructurings and M&A.

Prior to joining Transport Capital, she was Director, Advisory and Infrastructure Finance at Standard Chartered Bank. She was responsible for advising clients on arranging project financing for energy and infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia. During her tenure, she executed over USD 5 billion worth of transactions in the region.

Evguenia holds an MBA from INSEAD, MSc in Finance from The Higher School of Economics, and MSc (Honors) in Applied Mathematics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

Tom Zachariassen joined Transport Capital in 2023 and is currently a Partner and the Head of Asia-Pacific of the Group. He is responsible for the business development and growth of our Corporate Finance business in the Eastern hemisphere, which encompasses transaction origination, placement, and funding.

Prior to this, Tom was the Chief Financial Officer at HBC Hamburg Bulk Carriers during its recent merger process with Asia Maritime Pacific. Previously, Tom spent more than 18 years with Nordea Bank, primarily covering the Asian markets and lastly held the position as Client Executive and Head of Shipping & Offshore Asia. After leaving Nordea in 2021, he established Easterlies Consulting, an independent consultancy and advisory firm focusing on the maritime industry.

Tom is a graduate of the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) in Bergen, Norway.

Rebecca joined in 2015 and is responsible for legal advisory for the company.

Before joining Transport Capital, she was the Legal Counsel and Company Secretary of FSL Trust Management Pte. Ltd., the Trustee-Manager of First Ship Lease Trust (a shipping business trust listed on the SGX Mainboard in 2007) and the First Ship Lease group from 2008 to 2013.

Prior to that, Rebecca was a Legal Counsel at ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited (a land transport focused company listed on the SGX Mainboard) and was also its Company Secretary before she left. This portfolio included legal advisory support to its listed subsidiaries, SBS Transit Ltd and VICOM Ltd.

Rebecca started her legal career at a law firm handling loan financing, conveyancing and general solicitors’ work. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the National University of Singapore.

Lynette embarked on her journey with Transport Capital in 2022. Based in Singapore, she has taken on the pivotal role of overseeing the Group HR functions, from implementing policies and processes to spearheading initiatives aimed at enhancing the employee experience. She also serves as an advisor to the Management team by providing guidance on employment legislative requirements, ensuring that Transport Capital remains compliant with its HR practices.

Lynette’s professional experience is from some of the world’s leading multinational corporations. She has contributed her expertise to notable organisations such as Raffles Holdings, DHL Express, and Tyco Fire & Security. Her most recent role prior to joining Transport Capital was as the Regional Human Resource Manager at Wallem Shipping Singapore, where she honed her skills in fostering a culture of diversity, excellence, and collaboration.

Xiang Ying joined Transport Capital in 2021 as an Associate, Corporate Finance. Bringing more than 7 years of industry and cross-border transactions experience, she is a Chartered Accountant, and supports the corporate finance activities and execution of transactions across the maritime and aviation sectors.

Prior to Transport Capital, Xiang Ying has worked as an ISDA Specialist at Citibank, a Credit Analyst at OCBC, and an Assistant Relationship Manager at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. She holds an MBA from Yonsei University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the National University of Singapore.

Hans Kew joined Transport Capital in 2023 as a Corporate Finance Analyst. His prior experience includes an internship at PwC Deals Advisory, where he contributed to multiple cross-border M&A transactions. In addition, he also interned at other firms such as CLSA and KPMG during his undergraduate studies. Hans holds a BSc (Honours) in Accounting and Finance from the Singapore Institute of Management – University of London.

Wani Azahar joined Transport Capital in 2021 as the Communications & Marketing Manager. She brings more than 12 years of international experience and her expertise spans across multiple disciplines; from international and digital marketing to corporate communications, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) communication, branding, and public relations.

In her current role at Transport Capital, Wani plays an instrumental role in meticulously steering the Group’s marketing strategies to align with its core objectives and expanding global presence. Beyond her primary responsibilities, Wani is a key figure within the Transport Capital Green Committee. She ensures that the Group’s sustainability goals are not just set but effectively achieved and communicated, further anchoring the Group’s position as a sustainable and responsible business within the industry.

Bernard Foo joined in 2022 as a Ship Broker at TCT Shipbrokers. He brings close to 20 years of experience in the shipping industry including commercial and operational experience in both vessel and cargo segments, engaging in chartering, vessel operations, sale-and-purchase, and port management.

Prior to joining TCT Shipbrokers, Bernard was from COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers (Southeast Asia), where he was Chartering Manager and focused on Multipurpose (MPP) and Heavylift vessels. Bernard started his career at NYK Bulkship (Asia) in 1998 and advanced in other Maritime Companies which include CSL Asia Shipping, Vroon Offshore Services, Marco Polo Marine Group, Nova Carriers, Jurong Port and ST Engineering Land Systems.

Richard Wetzki joined in 2019 and is the General Manager of TCT Shipbrokers – a Joint Venture between Transport Capital and Toepfer Transport.

Previously, Richard was in the senior management team at Harper Petersen & Co. Ltd, Shanghai & Singapore where he was actively involved in the expansion of the company’s international client network.

As Managing Director of the Singapore office (2016 to end 2018), he successfully built and managed a shipbroking team that turned in profits within 18 months, won and managed new clients, as well as created new business opportunities.

Prior to Harper Petersen & Co. Ltd, Richard was with H Clarkson Ltd., London (2012 to 2013) and with Braemar Seascope Ltd., London (2008 to 2011), where he successfully brokered chartering and sale & purchase business for new clients, both on the owning and chartering side.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in International Management and German from University of Bath.

Jun joined in 2022 and is a Chartered Accountant with 12 years of financial experience. She has previous experience at IBC Informa, Unilever Asia and JCB Sales.

Jun has a Double-Major in Mathematics and Statistics from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and a Masters of Applied Finance from the University of Adelaide.

Sandy joined in 2014 as an Assistant Accountant. She is responsible for preparing payments and invoices, as well as performing monthly financial closing for certain entities under the Transport Capital Group.

Previously, she was with FSL Trust Management for 8 years where she was an Assistant Accountant.

Cindy joined Transport Capital in 2016 as an Administration Executive. Based in Singapore, Cindy is the key contact person for all office administration matters.

Previously, Cindy was the Executive Secretary to the Chief Risk Officer and Chief Executive Officer at Raiffeisen Bank International AG for 20 years.

Selina Tan joined Transport Capital in 2015 as a Senior Accountant. Currently, she manages the full set of accounts and handles all AP functions including the review and follow-up of invoices. Additionally, she liaises with external auditors as well as the operation and technical teams involved in ship management-related accounting.

Prior to this, Selina worked at Jardine Lloyd Thompson where she served as a Finance Manager for 14 years.

Elena Lim joined in 2015 and is a Manager (Shipping Operations). Based in Singapore, she monitors and manages issues relating to the vessels under the group’s corporate management including commercial, operations, pool’s distribution and insurance claims (P&I, H&M and FD&D).

Bringing with her more than 20 years of professional experience, Elana previously worked at Rickmers Shipmanagement (S) Pte Ltd, Klaveness Asia Pte Ltd, Cosco (Singapore) Pte Ltd, and World-Wide Shipping (known as BW now).

Nico joined in 2016 as a partner and heads our business in Greece. He is based in Athens and brings more than 30 years of experience in the shipping industry, having occupied a wide variety of roles in ship owning & ship management as well as ship-broking & restructuring.

Between 1998-2003, Nico was the Co-Founder, CFO & Managing Director of Millenium Seacarriers, a US High Yield Bond issuer, owners and operators of a fleet of dry bulk vessels. In 2000, Millenium Seacarriers was included amongst the top 20 Greek shipping companies.

Millenium Seacarriers was the successor of KYLCO Maritime which Nico also co-founded in 1992.

Prior to KYLCO Maritime, Nico served as General Manager & Director of Trade & Transport (UK), owners and operators of deep-sea dry bulk & tanker vessels as well as brown-water offshore vessels (PSVs & OSVs).

Nico started his career as a shipbroker in dry cargo chartering (1982-1984 with LGM in NY) and sales & purchase (1984-1985 with Barry Rogliano Salles in Paris). From 1985-1988 he worked in Piraeus for NCS Shipbrokers, the family business.

Since 2012, Nico holds board positions in Vianox International Forwarding & Logistics S.A. based in Greece, as well as Your Selections S.A. (a Greek trading company specialised in gourmet delicatessen products).

Nico is a graduate (B.A./M.A. combined degree in Economics with specialization in International Trade & Finance) of Boston University, USA.

Alexandros Valentis joined as Director, Greece, based in its Athens office as of 11 July 2022.

With over 20 years of experience in the maritime sector, Alexandros brings with him a wealth of ship finance and project experience. Having started his career at Maersk in the early 2000s, he then moved on to Proton Bank where he was a relationship banker from 2006 to 2012. Following this, he continued to focus on bunker fuel credit risk at OW Bunker, and shipping finance projects at Maersk Broker.

Hanno joined the Transport Capital Group in February 2023 as the Senior Director (Europe). In his role, Hanno’s responsibilities include identifying and building new business opportunities for the company.

He brings with him close to 20 years of industry experience in sustainable finance, deal sourcing, brokering transactions, advisory and more. Formerly, Hanno was the Founder & CEO of New Shore, a bank-licensed online platform for security tokens. He was also previously the Director, Business Development at Frachtcontor Capital Partners (Hamburg); and prior to that, the Managing Director of Oskar Wehr Asia Pte. Ltd in Singapore.

Hanno graduated with a Master of Science (MSc), Shipping Trade & Finance at Cass Business School, London.

Hubertus Clausius is the Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager Seahawk Investments GmbH – a subsidiary of Transport Capital established in 2018.

At Seahawk Investments, he has been managing a Long Short Equity Fund (UCITS) focused on the sectors of transportation and energy since May 2019.

Hubertus brings more than 15 years of experience in managing large institutional mutual funds and institutional segregated account mandates with a total volume of more than EUR 1.5 billion.

In 2007, he joined Helaba Invest as a Senior Fund Manager. Initially, he focused on the fixed income segment managing institutional segregated mandates and two mutual funds, one of which has been awarded the highest 5-star Morningstar Rating in 2011.

Thereafter, he has expanded his expertise, covering a large spectrum of asset classes. Since 2011, he has successfully managed complex multi-asset mandates covering international equities, fixed income credit and sovereign instruments. In this role, Hubertus has managed to outperform his benchmarks by a significant margin.

Prior to joining Helaba Invest, he worked with Swiss Re Asset Management (Asecuris) from 2002 to 2005 as their client relationship manager within institutional asset management. From 2006 to 2007 he was the Assistant Portfolio Manager and Trader for Landesbank Berlin Int. in Luxembourg. In total, he has 15 years of experience within institutional asset management.

Hubertus earned his MBA from SDA Bocconi (Milan) and is a CFA Charterholder.

Julieth joined Seahawk Investments, a subsidiary of Transport Capital, in 2023 as a Fund and marketing Assistant. Her responsibilities include the support of fund management and marketing activities such as newsletter marketing, customer communication, daily NAV reconciliation, fund performance attribution analysis, and reporting.

Julieth brings more than eight years of experience in different areas, working for international companies. She studied Modern Languages in Colombia with a focus on IT. She speaks Spanish, English, Italian and German. Previously, she held a dual role at The Jobcenter Staffing (USA) as Executive Assistant and Operations Manager for the company’s podcast, where she handled all the communication and online marketing aspects, editing and publishing video and audio content on online platforms.

Prior to working in marketing, Julieth worked as a sales representative for Colombian and international companies, where she has assisted clients from all over the world.

Sebastian joined the Transport Capital team in July 2022. Passionate about decarbonisation objectives, he drives the Group’s activities within the European region.

With over 25 years of financial and operational experience in transportation and related infrastructure, including capital raising and mergers & acquisitions, Sebastian has built his career through roles which mainly include Group Finance Director of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company Holding as well as investment banking roles at SCB, BNP Paribas and Morgan Stanley in Europe and Asia.

Meeyoung Choi joined in 2020 and leads the company’s loan financing transaction efforts in North America and Korea. She is based in New York City.

She was previously the CEO at Meriel Partners, a boutique investment bank she founded in 2009; providing customized financial and business advisory services to corporate clients around the globe in the transportation, energy and infrastructure industries.

At Meriel Partners, she completed over USD2.85 billion worth of transactions comprising capital raising from Korean institutional investors as well as restructuring for global shipping and aviation clients.

Prior to Meriel Partners, MY spent over a decade in New York working for Jefferies & Co and AMA Capital Partners covering the Asian markets.

She is an expert in varied financial products and structures including capital raising, loan underwriting, private equity, securitization, corporate & financial restructuring and mergers & acquisitions.

Over the course of her career, she has completed over USD7 billion of debt and equity transactions. Meeyoung received her B.A. in Business from Ewha Womans University.

Serena joined in 2020 and leads the Group’s loan and lease financing transaction efforts in Greater China. With her efforts, the company’s business in Greater China has achieved rapid development, including several transactions with value of more than USD600 million in this area.

Serena was previously the Head of Shipping Finance at Minsheng Financial Leasing where she was responsible for shipping finance projects. Whilst at Minsheng Financial Leasing, she completed more than 20 international ship financing projectswith a total value of more than USD2.5 billion. Financing products included ship project financing, JOLCOs, ABS and private bonds. She also served on the ship leasing credit/committee.

Prior to this, she was the Group Assistant President in charge of treasury, capital management and budget analysis departments for the Funtalk Group, a Chinese telecommunications sales company. Her involvement in many M&A transactions led the company to grow to over 2000 retail stores with 10,000 employees. She also assisted the company to list on the NASDAQ in 2009.

Serena started her career as a Senior Auditor in Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu CPAs where she performed annual statutory audits as well as special audits for listed multinational and domestic companies in China.

She obtained her MBA from Guanghua School of Management, Peking University and her Bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Economics from Peking University. She is a Certified Public Accountant in China and speaks native Mandarin and fluent English.

Based in Australia, Casey Naisbitt joined in 2023 and is responsible for Business Development in Australia for MarImpact. Casey brings extensive knowledge in Road Transport Logistics, Broad Acre Farming, the Commercial Fishing industry, Commercial Shipping, Offshore Oil and Gas industry, as well as Senior Management and Consultancy to the table.