About Us
Technical depth meets commercial expertise. Two founders with complementary backgrounds, a shared network, and a clear view of what this industry needs.
Why Paul Thames Exists
After years working across shipyards, integrators, and technology suppliers, we kept seeing the same pattern: projects struggling not because the technology was wrong, but because the right expertise wasn't connected to the right people at the right time.
Owners' teams needed independent guidance. Shipyards needed specialists they could trust. Suppliers needed access to decision-makers. The industry had all the pieces, but too much friction in bringing them together.
Paul Thames exists to reduce that friction. We bring technical credibility, commercial relationships, and enough experience to know what actually works in superyacht projects.
Who We Are
Edwin Edelenbos
Technical Partner
Edwin has spent nearly two decades designing and delivering AV/IT, lighting, and control systems for superyachts. His career spans hands-on project management at Van Berge Henegouwen, innovation leadership at Oceanco, and project lead roles on Feadship newbuilds.
Beyond his time with integrators and shipyards, Edwin has also worked directly on owner's teams, representing owner interests on both refit and newbuild projects. This gives him first-hand understanding of what owners actually need from their technical advisors.
He specialises in system architecture, technical analysis, and translating complex requirements into solutions that actually work. His engineering background (MSc from TU Delft) combined with real project experience means he can work across disciplines, from design teams to shipyards to owners' representatives.
Background
- 18+ years in superyacht AV/IT, lighting, and control systems
- MSc Industrial Design Engineering, TU Delft
- Former Manager of Innovation at Oceanco
- Former CTO at Van Berge Henegouwen
- Project Lead on multiple Feadship newbuilds
- Owner's team representative on refit and newbuild projects
Roel van der Zwet
Commercial Partner
Roel brings 15+ years of commercial leadership, including eight years at YachtCloud where he grew from Commercial Director to Managing Director. Before yachting, he held global commercial roles at Nexans and built experience across B2B sales, marketing strategy, and business development.
His strength is connecting people and companies, understanding what suppliers need to reach the market and what project teams need to find the right partners. His MBA from the University of Amsterdam provides the strategic foundation; his years in the industry provide the relationships and market knowledge.
Background
- 15+ years in commercial leadership and business development
- MBA, University of Amsterdam
- Former Managing Director at YachtCloud (8 years)
- Former Global Segment Manager Marine at Nexans
- Co-Founder of Diagram (asset management technology)
What This Combination Means
Technical Credibility
Deep system knowledge from years on actual yacht projects. We understand the technical realities, not just the brochures.
Industry Relationships
Established connections across shipyards, integrators, suppliers, and owners' teams built over decades.
Commercial Clarity
Understanding of what it takes to succeed in this market, from positioning to pricing to reaching the right people.