“It’s a real honor to be recognized as one of the top 100 women in shipping,” says Sasha. “Although there are thousands of women in the industry, it’s still very male dominated. I would love to see more balance – especially in senior positions. There is absolutely a place for more women here.”

Sasha’s path to the marine industry began in the physics labs of the University of Sheffield, where she spent more than a decade progressing through the ranks of academia. After earning a PhD in nanomaterial engineering, Sasha stayed on as a postdoctoral researcher specializing in polymer science. But over time, she began to question if her future lay in the academic world.

“I remember walking down the corridor of the physics department one day and seeing all these closed doors, with lecturers working alone in their rooms,” she recalls. “I realized that I didn’t want to be stuck behind one of those doors; I wanted to be out in the world engaging with people and finding solutions to commercial challenges.”

This realization led her to a business development role in a startup developing advanced surface coatings with self-cleaning properties. It was a crash course in commercial innovation – one day she was running experiments, the next day pitching solutions to customers.

When I talk to the customer, I never start with the product – I start with the problem they are facing.

Sasha’s introduction to the marine industry came in 2015, when a headhunter called about an opportunity at Guidance Marine – later acquired by Wärtsilä.

“I had not been actively looking for a marine-industry role, but I soon saw it as an opportunity to apply my skills in a new way. I’m really pleased I made the switch and I’ve never looked back. It’s an incredible industry to be part of and I’ve been on a fascinating journey,” she says.

The products that Sasha was responsible for at Guidance Marine won several industry awards. She also negotiated sales deals and managed product growth investments worth millions of pounds.

Sasha’s reputation for commercial success and innovation led to Evac subsidiary Cathelco getting in touch in 2023. The team wanted her help with commercializing Cathelco USP DragGone, an ultrasonic system that prevents marine growth on the hulls of ships. Sasha was also brought on to work with Evac’s portfolio of reverse osmosis products, which ensure vessels can generate a self-sustained supply of fresh drinkable water.

“Our USP DragGone technology minimizes drag and prevents the transfer of invasive species into sensitive ecosystems. Meanwhile, our freshwater systems help to reduce energy consumption and ensure vessels do not extract water from vital sources. Together, these innovations promote sustainability,” explains Sasha.

“When I talk to the customer, I never start with the product – I start with the problem they are facing. What do they actually need? How can we make their lives easier and their businesses more successful? That’s how you create real impact,” she says.

At Evac, we are all working together on sustainable solutions that really make a difference in the world.

Sasha appreciates the global nature of Evac, finding the company large enough to provide opportunities but small enough to maintain a sense of connection. Without a dedicated team of her own, she’s mastered the art of bringing different functions together.

“At Evac, you can make a real impact without getting lost in the system. I have to work a lot by influence – understanding what motivates people and bringing them along on the journey so we all reach the same goal,” she explains.

“Everything we do at Evac is about making the marine industry more efficient. We are all working together on sustainable solutions that really make a difference in the world,” she says. “Quality is another big focus for us. This is not just about the product – it’s about how we support our customers throughout the entire lifecycle of everything we deliver.”

Beyond work, Sasha leads an active life – from navigating rally cars to playing the saxophone in a band.

“Rallying is like solving a puzzle at high speed. You’re constantly reading the road, making split-second decisions and adapting on the fly. Playing instruments is more calming,” says Sasha. “But both rallying and music highlight the importance of teamwork. Success isn’t just about individual skill – it’s about trust, communication and working together towards a shared goal.”