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Leadership

Our leadership team is a diverse group of professionals driven by a passion for ocean exploration. It includes oceanographers, scientists, engineers, and experts in corporate functions from around the world. Their combined skills and global perspectives fuel innovative marine research, ensuring OceanQuest’s mission is guided by science, strategy and creativity.

Executive Management

Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, is a distinguished oceanographer dedicated to advancing ocean exploration, sustainability, and innovation. With a strong academic background at Columbia University and GEOMAR, his research spans ocean-climate interactions and cutting-edge observation technologies. A key contributor to global marine science initiatives, he has advised governments on ocean policies and played a pivotal role in the UN Decade of Ocean Science. His commitment to ocean literacy and capacity building continues to shape the future of deep-sea exploration.

Dr. Martin Visbeck
CEO
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Dr. Martin Visbeck
CEO

Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck is a globally recognized oceanographer, researcher, and academic leader. As CEO of OceanQuest, he spearheads the foundation’s mission to to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and excite the public. His academic credentials include professorships at the Lamon-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University and at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Kiel University, where his research focused on ocean-climate variability, sustainability, and the development of cutting-edge ocean observation technologies.

Prof. Visbeck’s distinguished career spans over three decades, focusing on the pivotal role of the ocean in the climate system. His expertise includes deep-water formation, large-scale ocean circulation, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), subtropical oxygen minimum zones, and modes of climate variability. He has pioneered advanced ocean monitoring systems, with his team establishing the world’s longest-running deep-water observatory, which directly measures North Atlantic Deep-Water transport variability. Prof. Visbeck has also embraced modern robotic platforms, such as profiling floats and gliders, to significantly enhance the capacity for long-term ocean observation.

Throughout his career, Prof. Visbeck has held prominent leadership roles in global research initiatives and made significant contributions to integrating marine science with sustainable development goals. He has supported programs such as the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), Climate and Ocean Variability, Predictability, and Change (CLIVAR), and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). A key member of the Executive Planning Group for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), he has been instrumental in shaping its vision. Additionally, Prof. Visbeck served on the governing board of the International Science Council (ISC) and the leadership council of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), advancing science-driven solutions for a sustainable future.

Prof. Visbeck‘s dedication to ocean literacy and capacity building, particularly in Africa, underscores his commitment to fostering inclusive marine research and education. A trusted advisor to national governments, the European Union, and the United Nations, he provides expert guidance on ocean science, governance and sustainable development policies.

Prof. Visbeck has been recognized with prestigious postdoctoral fellowships from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He was president of The Oceanographic Society (TOS) and is the recipient of the Henry Stommel Research Medal of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). He is an elected fellow of the AMS, TOS, ISC, American Geophysical Union (AGU), the European Academy of Sciences and the Explorers Club.

With a lifelong dedication to advancing ocean science, Prof. Visbeck continues to push the boundaries of research and ocean exploration, ensuring that OceanQuest plays a vital role in unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity.

Salman F. Kattan
Chief of Staff

The first employee to accept the challenge and join OceanQuest. A C-suite executive backed-up by his engineering background, EMBA degree, more than 23 years of experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and a track record in the areas of Strategy, Leadership, Implementation Management, Transformation, Business Development, MARCOM, and Sustainability. At OceanQuest, Salman supports the CEO with strategic priorities and key stakeholders’ management. He also spearheads Strategy, EMPO, Partnerships, HR, and IT.

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Basil Ahyick
Chief Financial Officer

A seasoned CFO with 35 years of experience in financial strategy, operational excellence, and transformational leadership. He has successfully led initiatives in corporate system upgrades, leadership development, and securing long-term sustainability funding. At OceanQuest, Basil leverages his expertise to enhance financial performance, drive impactful growth, and support the organization’s mission of ocean exploration and conservation.

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Rawan S. Jalal
Human Resources Director

An experienced HR leader with over 22 years of experience in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, and Employee Engagement. Throughout her career, she has transformed HR practices by driving HR digitalization, spearheading Saudization programs, and leading initiatives to enhance employee engagement and create a high-performance workplace culture. At OceanQuest, she is committed to fostering a thriving workplace environment and promoting talent growth, in line with the organization’s mission.

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Nassib R. Allaham
Strategy & EPMO Director

A proven leader in strategic consultancy and programme management, with over 27 years of experience in delivering large-scale projects and establishing Programme Management Offices. At OceanQuest, Nassib applies his vast knowledge to strengthen strategic planning, enhance project delivery, promote business excellence, streamline execution processes, and support the organization’s mission and implementation of its strategic objectives.

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Ibrahim H. Sofrata

Information Technology Director

With a strong ICT management, digital transformation, and governance foundation, Ibrahim Hamed Sofrata has 25 years of experience leading enterprise-wide change initiatives. He holds an MBA and advanced leadership certificate and is recognized for optimizing resources and implementing innovative IT solutions. He builds high-performing teams and cultivates trusted stakeholder relationships. At OceanQuest, Ibrahim drives technology innovation to enhance operational efficiency and support the organization’s mission.

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Athreyan Sundararajan
Marketing & Communication Director

With over two decades of experience in brand strategy and go-to-market initiatives, Athreyan Sundararajan is a brand launch specialist known for crafting award-winning campaigns that drive audience engagement. His international leadership spans diverse markets across APAC and MENA. Athreyan brings deep expertise in content creation – both short-form and long-form storytelling, which he has used to build compelling narratives that inspire audiences and elevate brands. At OceanQuest, he leverages his extensive experience to create impactful marketing strategies that enhance global outreach and advance the organization’s mission of ocean exploration and conservation.

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Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynski
Partnerships and Business Development Director

A leader in science diplomacy and ocean governance, Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynski has over 30 years of experience advancing maritime economics and policy. He has held prominent roles such as Head of Science Department and Strategic Projects Lead and contributed to the World Ocean Assessment for the United Nations. At OceanQuest, he focuses on developing strategic partnerships that support sustainable exploration and drive meaningful impact in ocean conservation.

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Nico Augustin
Research & Expeditions Director

Nico Augustin is a marine geologist with over 20+ years of experience specialized in seafloor imaging, submarine volcanism, and hydrothermal processes. He has led and participated in 35+ research expeditions across all major oceans, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries such as active hydrothermal vent fields and volcanic brine pools in the Red Sea, reshaping knowledge of deep-sea geological processes. At OceanQuest, Dr. Augustin is involved in the design and execution of research programs and seagoing expeditions, working closely with leadership and scientific teams to ensure impactful ocean exploration and discovery.

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Salman F. Kattan
Chief of Staff

The first employee to accept the challenge and join OceanQuest.

A C-suite executive backed-up by his engineering background, EMBA degree, more than 23 years of experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and a track record in the areas of Strategy, Leadership, Implementation Management, Transformation, Business Development, MARCOM, and Sustainability.

At OceanQuest, Salman supports the CEO with strategic priorities and key stakeholders’ management. He also spearheads Strategy, EMPO, Partnerships, HR, and IT.

Basil Ahyick
Chief Financial Officer

A seasoned CFO with 35 years of experience in financial strategy, operational excellence, and transformational leadership. He has successfully led initiatives in corporate system upgrades, leadership development, and securing long-term sustainability funding.

At OceanQuest, Basil leverages his expertise to enhance financial performance, drive impactful growth, and support the organization’s mission of ocean exploration and conservation.

Rawan S. Jalal
Human Resources Director

An experienced HR leader with over 22 years of experience in Human Resources Management, Organizational Development, and Employee Engagement. Throughout her career, she has transformed HR practices by driving HR digitalization, spearheading Saudization programs, and leading initiatives to enhance employee engagement and create a high-performance workplace culture.

At OceanQuest, she is committed to fostering a thriving workplace environment and promoting talent growth, in line with the organization’s mission.

Nassib R. Allaham
Strategy & EPMO Director

A proven leader in strategic consultancy and programme management, with over 27 years of experience in delivering large-scale projects and establishing Programme Management Offices.

At OceanQuest, Nassib applies his vast knowledge to strengthen strategic planning, enhance project delivery, promote business excellence, streamline execution processes, and support the organization’s mission and implementation of its strategic objectives.

Ibrahim H. Sofrata

Information Technology Director

With a strong ICT management, digital transformation, and governance foundation, Ibrahim Hamed Sofrata has 25 years of experience leading enterprise-wide change initiatives. He holds an MBA and advanced leadership certificate and is recognized for optimizing resources and implementing innovative IT solutions. He builds high-performing teams and cultivates trusted stakeholder relationships.

At OceanQuest, Ibrahim drives technology innovation to enhance operational efficiency and support the organization’s mission.

Athreyan Sundararajan
Marketing & Communication Director

With over two decades of experience in brand strategy and go-to-market initiatives, Athreyan Sundararajan is a brand launch specialist known for crafting award-winning campaigns that drive audience engagement. His international leadership spans diverse markets across APAC and MENA. Athreyan brings deep expertise in content creation – both short-form and long-form storytelling, which he has used to build compelling narratives that inspire audiences and elevate brands.

At OceanQuest, he leverages his extensive experience to create impactful marketing strategies that enhance global outreach and advance the organization’s mission of ocean exploration and conservation.

Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynski
Partnerships and Business Development Director

A leader in science diplomacy and ocean governance, Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynski has over 30 years of experience advancing maritime economics and policy. He has held prominent roles such as Head of Science Department and Strategic Projects Lead and contributed to the World Ocean Assessment for the United Nations.

At OceanQuest, he focuses on developing strategic partnerships that support sustainable exploration and drive meaningful impact in ocean conservation.

Nico Augustin
Research & Expeditions Director

Nico Augustin is a marine geologist with over 20+ years of experience specialized in seafloor imaging, submarine volcanism, and hydrothermal processes. He has led and participated in 35+ research expeditions across all major oceans, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries such as active hydrothermal vent fields and volcanic brine pools in the Red Sea, reshaping knowledge of deep-sea geological processes.

At OceanQuest, Dr. Augustin is involved in the design and execution of research programs and seagoing expeditions, working closely with leadership and scientific teams to ensure impactful ocean exploration and discovery.