Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) Commodore David Redfern is delighted to advise that they have appointed Ms. Karen Baldwin as their new Chief Executive Officer.

Karen is an experienced yacht club manager of nearly 15 years, coming to RQYS from the Fremantle Sailing Club where she was the CEO. Fremantle is a club with similar sized membership and operations to RQYS and a slightly larger marina.

Prior to that, Karen was the General Manager at Middle Harbour Yacht Club for just over five years, and before that, General Manager of the Royal Motor Yacht Club on the Pittwater for just over six years.

When speaking with Karen, her commitment to customer service, membership and member satisfaction is apparent. Her yacht club management has involved oversight and ultimate responsibility for all aspects of the clubs she’s managed, including marina operations. Karen’s references were impeccable and her referees consisted of Past and Current Commodores and other yachting industry contacts, all of whom praised her performance, management abilities, character and integrity.

As well as her management responsibilities, Karen has also been a Director on the Board of the Marina Industry Association for eight years, a Member of the MIAA Education Committee, a Director of the Tourism Industry Council of NSW and President and Vice President of various Chambers of Commerce.

Prior to getting into the Yacht Club industry, Karen held sales and general management roles in the accommodation hotel industry with organisations such as Radisson and Carlson, so she knows a thing or two about hospitality, as well!

Karen commenced her role on April 1, and is ready to take the Squadron forward and enhance the culture of this great club.