MEET THE TEAM

Our tight-knit team here at OceanWeb HQ hold a wide variety of qualifications and experience, which combined ensure we have the skills and know-how to assist with all your maritime communications and IT infrastructure needs.

After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a PhD in Sub-tidal Marine Ecology, I started my professional career working for Apple Computers, which sparked my interest in IT & communications. In 1997, after branching out as a Sole Trader, I founded OceanWeb and the business gradually developed to the current status where we work with over 85 Superyachts.

Ben Hextall

Managing Director

After completing my BA (hons) in Humanities at the University of Hertfordshire, I returned to the Island to work as a Senior Personnel Officer responsible for the crewing of BP oil tankers with Dorchester Maritime Ltd. I then completed a Masters degree in HR Management at Newcastle University and joined an Electronic Engineering company who were working towards IPO. I became a Director of OceanWeb upon its formation in 1997.

Sara Hextall

Director

Following the completion of my BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Geology, I spent the next decade gaining a diverse range of skills and experience in various roles. This included telecoms marketing, teaching, business analysis, systems testing, and web design. I returned to the Isle of Man in 2006 to join OceanWeb, where I manage and train our team of technical engineers.

Damian Brand

Chief Technical Officer

I joined OceanWeb in October 2019 as a Technical Support Engineer. Prior to this, I spent 2 years working as the sole Systems Administrator at a local accountancy firm. I have over 5 years experience in IT and have built up a broad knowledge of both hardware and software technologies.

Aaron Hicks

Senior Technical Support Engineer

My previous experience includes working as an engineer for a world-class tier 3 data centre and as a former seagoing sole ETO on a MegaYacht. This valuable experience gained means I am highly knowledgeable in working with the latest information and operational technologies, with a specialism towards the maritime sector and the superyacht industry.

Fraser Cunningham

Senior Technical Support Engineer

On completion of my bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering, I elected to focus my career entirely on the telecommunications industry as Network Operations Field & Support. My experience covers a variety of technologies from 2G right through to 5G mobile technology, TETRA, IP microwave radio, fibre optic networks and wireless data networks. Prior to joining OceanWeb, I spent the past 4 years working in similar roles in the Middle East.

Mark Ortega

Technical Support Engineer

I have over 20 years of IT experience working in various senior IT roles in multiple sectors, including insurance, manufacturing, construction, and, most recently, a data centre. This experience has given me a strong ability to solve problems with viable solutions. I joined OceanWeb as a Technical Support Engineer in August 2022.

Chris Ismay

Technical Support Engineer

Since completing my BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Computer Science I have built up over 8 years of IT experience, working for a variety of on-Island companies. I have spent the last 5 years working as an Infrastructure Analyst, gaining extensive experience providing face to face and remote support. In November 2022 I joined OceanWeb as a Technical Support Engineer.

Matt Evans

Technical Support Engineer

In 2019 I joined OceanWeb as an office junior which sparked a strong interest in IT. I decided to pursue a career in this field and subsequently completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Science from the University of Chester. In 2022 I took on the role of Trainee Technical Support Engineer at OceanWeb.

Jacob Brand

Junior Technial Support Engineer

I recently joined OceanWeb as a Junior IT support engineer. Prior to this, I worked as an IT Technician, specialising in network management, and installing and maintaining network infrastructures. I have five years of IT experience and a wide range of skills in hardware and software. I am currently completing my CCNA certification.

John Karpakis

Junior Technical Support Engineer

I joined the OceanWeb team in June 2019 as Business Development Executive having relocated with my family from Liverpool. Previously, I worked in sales for PepsiCo promoting global brands such as Walkers, Doritos and Tropicana. Prior to this, I worked in sales and business development roles in shipping, recruitment and telecoms industries.

Danny Creedon

Business Development

Previously, I worked at the Isle of Man Bank both in back office roles and front facing roles. I left the bank to work for Royal Life Insurance and RL Stott & Co Stockbrokers before joining CMI Insurance Company where I worked for 20 years. I joined Oceanweb in 2017 as Accounts Administrator and assist Sara with our Accounts and orders

Claire Newsome

Accounts Administrator

I'm OceanWeb's mascot and meet & greeter. I make sure everyone in the town knows when our post arrives and I always greet visitors with a smile!

Amber Hextall

Office Meet & Greet