Meet the team

Meet John – a family man, outdoor enthusiast, and the designated “Braaier” at gatherings. With three sons, he cherishes family beach days, finding peace and inspiration in the sea’s life support. Excitedly joining Kelp Blue, John is all about sustainability and embracing Namibia’s new industry. Beyond his culinary skills, he enjoys exploring diverse dishes, playing volleyball, and pursuing new ventures post-study life. Here’s to John, creating good vibes and contributing to a sustainable future!

A qualified marine biologist & water management specialist, Viviane has spent 20 years advising governments, NGO’s, the UN and inter-governmental bodies. Most recently, she has worked with the Benguela Current Convention. Viviane sits on the board of NamWater. She adores the natural world, its quiet wonder – and empowering people.

A hydraulic engineer with a masters degree from the Delft University of Technology, Hugo is a dedicated team player. He explored Suriname while working on a project assessing the technical feasibility of establishing a terminal in Paramaribo. While in Namibia, he discovered a new hobby, mountain biking through the dramatic scenery of the Lüderitz peninsula.

Even though Elia holds an MSc. in Sustainable Agriculture from Padua University Italy, he already learned the craft in his early years. Raised among the farming traditions of his family, he is now a third-generation farmer specializing in regenerative viticulture systems. He is passionate about the synergies between soil composition and artificial systems to shed light on the mysteries of agriculture. Elia is a supporter of AI and data processing for crop solutions and embraces agro-ecology. You can usually find him beside the beehives, sipping Jura vine – his favourite.

Born and raised in Luderitz, graduated from Seadog Commercial Diving School as Commercial Diver Class III. Worked at Namport as a general worker loading and offloading cargo such as fish and manganese. Also known as the friendliest person in the team. If you don’t have a smile on your face yet, you will get one because of Rivaldo. Rivaldo likes to watch rugby, loves family time and enjoys a jog in the morning.

Eoné became a part of Kelp Blue driven by her deep affection for the ocean and its marine inhabitants. The prospect of working on something so close to her heart fills her with excitement and joy. Doing what you love gives life so much more purpose! In her free time Eoné can be found spending quality time with her daughter, appreciating the scenery of our beautiful ocean.

From the coastal town of Walvis Bay, developed a strong passion for the ocean from a young age. Inspired by high school geography, she went on to earn an Honors degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from the University of Namibia, giving her deep insights into marine ecosystems. Though naturally reserved, Aina becomes an engaging speaker in the right company. Beyond marine science, she enjoys garment design and holds onto her childhood dream of creating a study and foster home. She lives by the motto, "A Grateful Heart Is a Magnet for Miracles," embracing collaboration and inspiration in her work.

Maddie has a degree in Marine Science and Management with Honours in marine turtle behaviour. Growing up on the East Coast of Australia, Maddie developed a deep love and curiosity for the ocean. This evolved into a passion to be a part of the solution to restore and conserve our blue planet and I became a seaweed enthusiast due to its ability to do just that! She enjoys spending time in the water, especially surfing and free diving.

Commonly known as Lelo, she is a Biotechnology graduate, currently pursuing a Law degree through the University of South Africa, with environmental law being one of her favorite electives. She holds 10 years of experience in the manufacturing industry with a keen interest in lean management. The sound of running machines is music to her ears. Lelo is a people person, An avid café-hopper known for her contagious laughter, bubbly personality, and happy feet—always ready to dance. Passionate about community development and social engagement, she has spent some years delivering motivational talks at schools in various villages across the Limpopo province of South Africa. Her dream is to inspire others and explore the world !!

Anna is a South African civil engineer with a strong interest in kelp. Drawn to the area’s natural landscapes, she combines her engineering background with a commitment to sustainable projects involving kelp. Outside of work, she spends time exploring the surroundings of Lüderitz and appreciating the people and environment around her.

Alisha grew up by a river in Wisconsin, sparking her curiosity about aquatic ecosystems, which led her to pursue a PhD in Ecology at UC Davis. At Bodega Marine Lab, she researched how coastal seawater chemistry affects shell-building species. While training as an AAUS diver and Dive Master in northern California, she discovered the beauty of kelp forests and, driven by their decline along the California coast, joined restoration efforts. Outside work, Alisha enjoys fermenting homegrown produce, baking bread, and planning hiking adventures.

A seasoned professional with experience across many continents, and has defined her personal mission to create a world where there is enough for all. Believing we collectively have all we need, it becomes a distribution and access problem. Combined with the global challenges we face, Eli believes that private enterprise is the best way forward. And she’s a great cook of Indonesian food.

Meet Lucky, a 34-year-old resident of Luderitz Bucht (Buchter). We know him as a happy soul, an open book. A ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ kind of guy. Lucky, raised in this coastal town, has a deep-seated connection with the ocean, where he holds beautiful memories. He loved nothing more than chilling on a boat with his dad, especially when the water was calm in the late afternoons. He’s a hardworking family man and a dedicated dad.

Delft University of Technology and ETH Zurich graduate with a Master’s in quantum physics. He loves challenges that require both a creative and analytical approach. Growing up in the country side and having lived in Botswana bush for 3 months helped him develop his strong interest in natural ecosystems. He’s passionate about football, modern art, exploring the Alps and wearing baseball caps backwards.

Protasius holds an honours degree in chemistry and Geology and completed a Masters degree in Chemistry at the University of Namibia. He’s worked as a science teacher for three years while also working in an environmental consultancy. He’s a local pastor in Luderitz, is passionate about research and building others up especially the youth.

Graduated with a Masters in Hydraulic Engineering from TU Delft. Built an artificial reef to combat coastal erosion in North Sulawesi and built a bamboo factory in the jungles of Nicaragua while working together with the indigenous Miskito populations. Ferdi loves to dive and does this in every place he visits (where possible), has run the Rotterdam marathon and completed the Barcelona Iron Man 70.3.

She began her journey at Kelp Blue, designing production processes and creating products from giant kelp, with ‘waste’ never being part of her vocabulary. Passionate about solving operational challenges, she is now committed to growing, harvesting, and processing kelp efficiently in a new environment. On windy days, she can be found kite-surfing, dedicated to a life full of adventure.

'Chief Lalandii' at Kelp Blue, jack of all trades when it comes to preparing farms for deployment at sea - welding, splicing and assemblies - with a cheeky smile and warm energy ALWAYS. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - and at KB these dreams are big!

From the north of Namibia, Hilinganye discovered a strong attraction to the ocean during her university years. A dedicated biosystems R&D specialist, she leads innovative research in kelp cultivation optimization. She has a background in fish and shellfish farming, and hatchery seaweed propagation and has recently completed her Master’s in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Hilinganye is committed to advancing aquaculture for a sustainable future and is known for her curios mind. She embodies the qualities of an introverted extrovert, combining deep thoughtfulness with the ability to engage and inspire others.

From Walvis Bay, Namibia. 9 years experience in marine Ops including diving & seafaring. Held chief officer position on a supply vessel specialized in cargo handling offshore transport. Commercial diving experience in vessel inspection and marine construction. His 5k personal best is 20.45, which is not as fast as some of the vintage cars he loves, but he will keep trying.

Daniel has over 20 years’ experience in various executive roles gained with Royal Dutch Shell in 7 different countries. He has a track record of delivering extraordinary business results by identifying technical and commercial opportunities and acting on them decisively. Daniel is passionate about the sea and the complex Anthropocene world we live in.

Richard is a creative problem solver with a multi-disciplinary background. He holds an Msc in Maritime Economics and has hands-on experience as marine technician, software developer, entrepeneur and product manager. He loves the outdoors and enjoys bringing new ideas to life – always ideating, designing, building. He has a passion for boatbuilding and will one day build his own sailing vessel and circumnavigate the world (stopping at all Kelp Blue locations)!

Michael comes from a background of horticulture and mushroom farming. Before even knowing about Kelp Blue, he had tested 1L of StimBlue+ on various crops he had at home. With success! He joined the company to help farmers realize increased ROI using environmentally friendly products. Michael enjoys learning about everything and anything. On weekends, he can be found fixing or building things, or getting his hands dirty in his little garden.

With an honours degree in Biochemistry and a Masters in Chemistry from the University of Namibia, Aina is a great asset to our R&D team. She has held a variety of roles where she gained experience in product formulation and pilot extraction techniques, including CO2 extraction. Aina has a passion for laboratory work and especially piloting production processes which will be very useful in our biotech team. In her spare time, Aina likes reading non-fiction literature.

Fabian has close to 2 decades mining industry experience having worked at four of Namibia’s large mining operations in various technical and managerial roles. He also has half a decade experience in the banking industry. Fabian speaks Oshiwambo, English and Afrikaans fluently and has enough basic German and Damara/Nama to get around. Outside work, Fabian helps his geologist wife, Ndawe raise their kids. When time permits, he gets on his mountain bike -usually in preparation for the annual Desert Dash (397km MTB, crossing the world’s oldest desert).

Jamie is a passionate scientist with a bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town. She is a dedicated individual who is eager to contribute her knowledge to the innovative work we do at Kelp Blue. With her passion for marine organisms, she is looking forward to challenging and alleviating environmental challenges. Therefore, she loves to challenge and hone her science skills, in search for sustainable solutions. She is also an adventurous indivudal who constantly seeks new challenges. Loves to draw and envision life through several different microscopes. For Jamie, the best way to express herself is through art, style and music.

Was offered a place at university at aged 15 but decided to live a little and entered at 17. Holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Edinburgh and is a CFA Charterholder. He’s proudly Scottish, loves playing football, and is known to be highly competitive. At the moment he’s learning Dutch.

Meet Giovanni – a humble seafarer and a skilled football player. His passion for the ocean’s diversity led him to Kelp Blue, where he found a community that shares his love. He ensures our kelp remains healthy throughout the deployment process and will soon take on the additional role of subsurface inspections for kelp success. When he’s not navigating the seas, Giovanni enjoys diving into books and going for hikes.

Enthusiastic about everything. Born and raised in the beautiful Fiji Islands. Holds a PhD in aquaculture from the Auckland University of Technology. Worked with a variety of species including geoducks, mussels, and abalone. While not in the lab he can be found wandering in the forests hiking and taking photos of mushrooms or at the beach fishing.

James holds an honours degree in fisheries and aquatic science from University of Namibia and a diploma in marine engineering from NAMFI. He worked as a marine engineer on fishing vessels for two years. He has experience in maintenance of different machinery such as large diesel engines, diesel generators, boilers, Turbocharger, freshwater generators, pumps and filters.

Meet Jacintha “Latifah” Kartyoa, our vibrant R&D Specialist Assistant. Jacintha holds an Honors degree in Biochemistry from the University of Namibia. She is passionate about everything science-related, loves socializing, is dedicated to fitness, and her passion for painting brings a unique and dynamic energy to the team. With her creativity and enthusiasm, she contributes to the innovative spirit that defines Kelp Blue’s work culture.

A passionate believer in leveraging the power and enthusiasm of the youth to change the planet. Has extensive experience bringing multi-disciplinary teams together and providing the necessary support and structure to creative thinkers. Greater loves cooking and running and has been known to lose flip-flops in the sand dunes.

Iriya is a Fisheries and Aquatic Scientist from the University of Namibia. She has skills on environmental monitoring and fish feed formulation & processing. Iriya was the top female entrepreneur in Namibia for the Total StartUpper of the year challenge, 2019 and has won multiple entrepreneurship awards. She is passionate about Research and Innovation. Iriya loves travelling & adventure and enjoys taking pictures of nature.

Xu was born in Zwollywood (a.k.a Zwolle, a countryside city) and studied Industrial Ecology at the University of Leiden, Delft University of Technology and at the University of Melbourne. She started her career as a sustainability consultant for the real estate sector and worked with the Port of Amsterdam on bioremediation. Xu is an avid and elegant rock-climber, has a one-eyed cat and loves cooking, travelling and plants.

Meet Reime, born and raised in Luderitz, recent computer science graduate majoring in software development and currently doing her honors thesis based on drones in agriculture and how they can be used to promote sustainable farming in indigenous communities. Reime has been working in Robotic Process Automation for the past 3 years but really wanted to have more “impact on the ground” so joining the Kelp Blue Team was a match made in heaven. Reime is a real travel bug, particularly to places that have a beach because no matter where in the world it is, being close to the ocean always feels like home to her.

Okke is not comfortable with choosing the easy path. His passion for mechanical management and plant operations has seen him work in one of the biggest steel plants in Europe. His most recent role was running an organic avocado oil processing factory in Awassa Ethiopia. He holds a Masters degree in Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Technology from the University of Groningen. He’s often found cycling around the Ijsselmeer (350 km) climbing mountains in Peru or planning his next endurance endeavour and trying to convince others to join him. He also doesn’t drink coffee.

Hadewych recently graduated with an MBA from INSEAD and has previous experience working as a consultant in new ways of working, helping organisations and people navigate through the complex challenges that change brings. She takes every chance she gets to go hiking in the mountains and loves everything food related, from going to the farmer’s markets, to cooking and discovering new restaurants.

Kathryn brings a wealth of experience, having worked with startups, scaleups and large corporates to drive innovation and growth. She is passionate about people and the planet and has recently earned her Masters in Sustainability. Before joining Kelp Blue, Kathryn co-founded a sustainable fashion tech startup and in her spare time she mentors budding entrepreneurs to help them bring their ideas to life. Having grown up by the beach, Kathryn loves swimming, diving and anything to do with the ocean.

David holds a master’s degree in Applied Physics from the Technical University in Delft. During his studies he developed a passion for sustainability and focused on finding suitable solid electrolytes for solid-state battery applications, but after interning at Kelp Blue he transitioned his focus to seaweed. He loves fitness and playing golf, and spending as much time as possible with friends and family.

Growing up on a goat farm in Namibia, Henrico's passion for knowledge and curiosity were nurtured by his grandparents, inspiring a lifelong dream of becoming a scientist. He pursued a BSc Honours in Microbiology and an MSc in Biology, focusing on the poultry industry. His love for science ultimately led Henrico to Kelp Blue, where he is thrilled to contribute to cutting-edge innovation. Here, he is living his dream by implementing ISO 9001 and 45001 standards, while fostering a strong safety culture and driving excellence.

Zuvee has a deep passion for nature and is dedicated to using science and research to combat the effects of climate change. Whenever he’s out in the wild, he immerses himself in the beauty around him, often spending hours appreciating the scenery. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and exploring nature. Currently, Zuvee is in the final year of his Master’s degree in Conservation Biology at the University of Namibia, preparing to make a positive impact in the field of conservation.

Gisberth operates the Truck (Monk), Hiab crane, and forklifts, taking pride in handling each with precision and care. Always eager to learn new techniques and improve his skills, he approaches every task with safety as his top priority. Gisberth's commitment to safe practices ensures he performs his duties effectively and responsibly, contributing to a secure and efficient work environment.

There is no lack of enthusiasm and ambition in Tuwilika. Raised in the costal town of Walvis Bay, but born in Outapi, she holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Namibia. Her emphasis is on designing, building, and testing mechanical systems. As an introvert, she enjoys soothing walks by the beach, listening to music and reimagining non fiction books she reads.

Iryna moved to the Netherlands 1.5 years from Ukraine. She is experienced in office administration and in human resources and previously worked as an economist in the banking sector. Iryna keeps our office humming! She loves reading books, looking at the sea and learning new things.

Born and raised in Lüderitz with a background at sea working on research, fishing and mining vessels. Holds a class 5 navigation officer certificate from Namfi. He’s a work horse on the football pitch (an asset for any team) and when he’s not kicking a ball around you can find him watching Formula One.

Raised on a farm in New Zealand, Felicity has worked in international intergovernmental organisations including the International Renewable Energy Agency and United Nations Environment Programme. From renewable energy to sustainable finance, her career has led from technological solutions to the financial system and now to how nature-based solutions and good business can create the change we need. If there is one thing she has learnt, it is that a small committed team – who can laugh! – can achieve great things. Felicity is passionate about people, skiing, adventures and good coffee.

Born and bred in Windhoek, Namibia, Angelique joined Kelp Blue with a BSc in Environmental Biology. She just submitted her MSc Thesis with a scholarship from the Kelp Forest Foundation. Angelique's passion for the ocean ignited at age 5 during trips to Swakopmund, continuing to fuel her work. Her love for the sea, which she describes as putting everything in perspective, is the driving force behind her career in marine ecology. Angelique spends her free time reading science fiction books to escape real life. The best advice she was given was, “Progress is better than perfection”.

Introducing Anouk. A little energy ball with a constant smile on her face. She has worked in digital marketing and e-commerce in the sports industry and in consultancy, but quickly fell in love with seaweed when she discovered its potential (who wouldn’t!), and joined Kelp Blue. Living in Paris, Anouk is always looking for something new. Spot her volunteering at the Olympic Games this summer.

Ambitious, vibrant and a determined young lady and aspiring biochemist. Her articulate communication style reflects her love for expressing complex scientific concepts in a way that captivates and educates. Latungwa finds inspiration in the symbiotic dance of the ocean waves. Embracing the serenity of her surroundings, she blends her scientific curiosity with tranquility of coastal living. She envisions a future where her work for Kelp blue not only advances scientific knowledge, but plays a crucial role in shaping environmentally conscious practices.

With a degree in Crop Science from the University of Namibia, Elizabeth is a true nature enthusiast whose heart finds peace in shades of green. Her love for plants extends beyond the classroom into her garden, where she spend her free time nurturing life and reconnecting with nature. When Elizabeth is not in the garden, you’ll find her exploring flavors in the kitchen or singing her heart out – both passions that bring joy and harmony to her life.

A true seaweed enthusiast. Holds a Masters degree from the University of Cape Town in Phycology and Aquaculture and comes from an abalone aquaculture background. He loves being in the water, is a patient teacher and can often be found sprinting up and down Table Mountain.

From Lüderitz, a proud graduate from SEADOG Commercial Diving School. Worked for Bresler De Beer in ship husbandry and vessel docking. Diving experience with propeller cleaning, hull inspection, UWILD inspection and Centrifugal Pump usage used in dredging for salvage work. Crayfishing and rugby are his past times.

Valentin graduated from ISTOM in Angers, France with Masters in Agronomy with a specialisation in Agriculture. He’s worked at the World Bank and became a seaweed enthusiast when he discovered the amazing potential of seaweed to usher in a new dawn of how to do business. He’s super sporty, any and all, but has a particular fondness for basketball. And doesn’t drink coffee.

Ed is one of life’s energetic optimists who thrives working with passionate people on purposeful endeavours. Fresh from a second masters at Imperial he brings 35 years of senior leadership experience from a wide range of engineering, training and logistics roles with the UK’s Armed Forces. Orienteering, mountain marathons, desert expeditions, his 1960s car and family are his happy place.

Josephine brings more than ten years of experience as a marine biologist to her work. She earned her Master of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of Western Cape. Through her company, the Lady Marine Consultancy Firm, she has received accolades in the Sustainable Blue Economy sector. Her dedication to ocean awareness and stewardship resonates with the mission of Kelp Blue, and that is why she joined the team. Josephine loves the ocean however she is allergic to seafood.

Originally from Namibia's Omaheke region, Kapenauarue Siririka holds a diploma in Natural Resources Management from the University of Namibia. Passionate about conservation, Siririka enjoys spending his free time playing football, a sport he loves.

A proud “Buchter” (someone from Luderitz) with a fascination for cars since a young age. That’s why he loves working on engines that much. In his spare time, he hikes, fixes cars, reads books and listen to audiobooks. And when he gets the chance, he holds services at a local church.

A start-up, change management and digital transformation specialist, Caroline has worked at Unilever, WPP, in mar-tech and agri-tech. Her purity of purpose expresses itself as clarity, simplicity and speed. Caroline sailed half-way around the world and across the Pacific Ocean in the Clipper Round the World yacht race and is also a keen forager and traveller.

Born and raised in Luderitz. Working background Electrical Assistant at a fishing factory and fishing vessels with a level 3 in Electrical. Electronics caught his attention whilst working in the electrical field and he would like to further his studies in Electronics and Electrical. In Jordan’s spare time, he likes to listen to music, podcasts, and cook Curry Chicken (being his signature dish) and of course being the Braai Master when it comes to Braai. He also plays rugby for the local team.

Meet Meno, an Agronomy and Livestock Specialist from Otjijarua in Omaheke. Growing up on his family’s farm, he developed a passion for sustainable farming, working with livestock like cattle, goats, and sheep. This hands-on experience, paired with his academic studies, shaped his career in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Meno also shares his expertise as a Farm Mechanization lecturer at Namibia University of Science and Technology. Aligned with Kelp Blue’s mission of sustainability and innovation, he’s proud to be part of the team. Off the farm, he’s a dedicated rugby player who values teamwork and perseverance.

Meet Jarreth, born and raised in Lüderitz. After his internship, he joined Kelp Blue and dived right into the fascinating world of kelp. Every day brings fresh lessons about kelp’s potential. Outside work, he keeps active at the gym, explores new places, and embraces the outdoors. Being part of Kelp Blue is an exciting journey for him, full of discovery and growth.

Meet Clarke, a friendly individual from Luderitz, who has a genuine passion for cars and boats. Working on vehicles is not just a job for him; it’s a love affair. Beyond his mechanical prowess, Clarke-Scott enjoys kicking a soccer ball around and embarking on adventures to catch crayfish and fish. Whether on the field or by the water, he’s adept at scoring goals and reeling in those aquatic delights.

A gem! Rosalia is the one who keeps the office running and tidy and always has a smile on her face. She has committed to reading one book a week from the Kelp Blue library. And we’ve all seen her reading during her breaks. Rosalia makes a fabulous roast chicken, the recipe for her spice rub is a closely guarded secret.

Samuel, originally from Ghana, is a strong advocate for the Blue Economy, promoting ocean literacy, and global climate change. He prides himself in contributing to research in hydrodynamics of offshore seaweed farms and offshore structures. Samuel is a skilled musician, great piano player, drummer, and bass guitar player. When he's not making music, we find him in the gym.

Maranda specializes in community and regional environmental projects in Southeast Alaska. She is proficient in grant writing, event planning and project management and has a proven track record in collaborating with rural communities and agencies to achieve goals and objectives. Outside of work, she thrives in the Southeast Alaskan way of life, where she takes part in hunting, fishing, foraging, and operating her own oyster farm with her dog and partner.

Meet Michal, a passionate scientist with over 15 years of experience blending biology, chemistry, and physics. With an MSc in Biotech and a PhD in Biology, Michal brings the same ambition, energy, and enthusiasm to the lab as to the slopes, where he once competed as an alpine skier. Before joining Kelp Blue, Michal received some of the most competitive and prestigious fellowships and grants to explore the molecular secrets of photosynthesis in algae, played a central role in establishing Africa's first molecular biophysics research program and explored Southern Africa's wildest corners, sharing campgrounds with lions, elephants and hippos.