Our team
Thomas KIEFFER
President of the EDGE Group
Having sailed since childhood, I took over the company in 2020 after a year-long collaboration with Daniel and Francis. I hold a degree in History, a Master’s in Public Affairs from Sciences Po, and an Executive MBA from Kedge Business School. I have competed in regattas, taught sailing, and owned several sailboats.
An expert in social protection and passionate about management and HR, EDGE combines my love for the sea with my professional expertise. Together with my talented team, we aim to make EDGE the benchmark in yacht management: “the French touch of yachting.”
Karine PRESTES
Deputy Director – EDGE CREW
Since 2018, as an executive assistant, I have played a cross-functional role within the group’s entities, managing administrative and budgetary matters, supervising staff, and overseeing crew training. I prioritize high-quality service for our clients and the maritime community. Passionate about sports and a competitive spirit, I enthusiastically invest myself in the challenges we take on at EDGE CREW.
Yohann MAYADE
Yacht Manager
Driven by client satisfaction, I contribute to the EDGE project with the goal of making life easier for crew members and, in turn, enhancing the onboard experience for clients. To achieve this, we now offer a comprehensive yacht management service, in which I act as the link between the owner, the captain, and various service providers. A manager at heart, I provide tailored solutions for managing day-to-day expenses and optimize the monitoring of maintenance protocols.
Ai IWASAKA
HR Director
As Human Resources Director, I bring my expertise in performance management with a global perspective to EDGE CREW. My professional experiences across multiple countries have made me a multilingual communicator and a bridge-builder between cultures, with a strong people-focused approach.
The vision of “the yachting French touch” deeply inspires me, and as a Japanese citizen, I firmly believe that infusing a “human touch” into EDGE CREW’s services will create a remarkable blend of excellence, setting us apart from our competitors.
As a results-driven professional, I am always ready to go above and beyond for our team to ensure the success of EDGE!
Destesya BOKA
Community Manager
Passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, I see EDGE as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. As a Community Manager, I enjoy developing and enhancing our relationships with members, enthusiasts, and professionals in the yachting world.
Rigorous, committed, and eager to travel, I am thrilled to contribute to the EDGE adventure and to take on the challenge of international competition together—an ambitious goal that truly excites me.
Alexiane BESSEYRE DES HORTS
Yacht Manager
After 10 years in retail, I met Thomas in 2022 and joined EDGE as a Yacht Manager. My main mission is to develop our comprehensive yacht management offering and our sustainability strategy. My love for challenges, combined with my expertise in maintenance and customer service, allows me to be attentive to our clients, captains, and service providers.
With a degree in Sports Management and a passion for sailing, the sea inspires me every day. Entrust me with the management of your vessel for long-term peace of mind and enjoyment!
Angie PEREZ
Legal Counsel
My main passion lies at the intersection of the sea and the law.
As a member of the EDGE group, I place great importance on justice and fairness in contracts. Our goal is to ensure compliance with legal and social standards while promoting the well-being of crew members as part of our crew management services.
I am proud to be a maritime law student at Aix-Marseille University and to contribute my legal expertise to serve our clients and crew within this dynamic team.
Maëlys BARBEL
Communication Manager
After several years working in the sports industry, I decided to move closer to what truly inspires me: the sea and the world of yachting.
I am now in charge of communications at EDGE, operating in a deeply inspiring environment.
My role is to highlight our expertise and share our vision of French luxury yachting, embodying the yachting French touch®.
My goal is simple: to help EDGE shine and promote a modern, human, and elegant vision of yachting.
Camille TORRES
Legal Counsel
As a Legal Counsel within the EDGE Group, I hold a degree in Employment Law and have a strong interest in the challenges surrounding labour relations in the maritime sector.
Joining EDGE represents an opportunity for me to further develop my expertise at the intersection of employment law and maritime law, within a dedicated and committed team.
I aim to contribute to the development of tailored legal solutions that support maritime professionals in addressing their everyday challenges.
Christophe FRESSON
Yacht Technical Manager – Fleet Captain
I started sailing at the age of four aboard the wooden Optimist built by my father, and completed my first solo crossing at the age of eight, from Bijou Plage to the Lérins Islands on a windsurf board.
As a sailing instructor, with experience in leading French shipyards and Anglo-Saxon brokerage firms, I have sailed on all types of vessels, from maxi yachts to classic schooners, from the Ionian Sea to the Caribbean.
My journey with EDGE now allows me to share my passion and expertise with our owners and crews, embodying a vision of yachting that combines maritime heritage, respect for nature, and innovation.
Jenny THIRIET
Charter Broker
I began my career in yachting in Saint-Tropez, an iconic destination that allowed me to develop an in-depth knowledge of the French Riviera and its most beautiful cruising spots.
With my expertise in maritime law and charter agreements, I support my clients with precision, providing tailor-made experiences that meet their expectations.
After 12 years in luxury hospitality and high-end villa rentals, I developed a strong service-oriented mindset and a keen eye for detail. My goal is to create unique experiences by combining expertise, trust, and excellence.