Having graduated from Moscow’s Financial University, Darina Posthuma started her professional career as a financial advisor for Ernst & Young and Accenture. But she decided to leave the finance world behind when she was presented with an opportunity that no Formula One fan could refuse: to work at the first Russian Formula One Grand Prix.
After working as the Head of Commercial for two Russian Grand Prixs, Darina fulfilled her long-time ambition to work in the yachting industry and became a charter and sales broker for a prominent brokerage house based in East Europe. She then joined Moravia Yachting in 2021 with her husband – and fellow broker – Roy Posthuma.
“We thought it would be valuable and synergistic to work at the same company,” explains Darina. “And we chose Moravia because we are both very interested in ongoing development, not just as charter brokers, but as sales brokers and project managers. Moravia Yachting, integrated with Hill Robinson, encompasses a diverse and experienced team who are encouraged to share knowledge and learn from each other. That’s what sets Moravia apart from other companies in the industry.”
Darina’s background in finance consultancy means that she is accustomed to working around the clock to respond to enquiries as quickly as possible, and she continues to apply this industrious approach to her role as a charter broker. Working with her husband Roy has also proved immensely beneficial, as they are always sharing ideas and professional knowledge.
Being based in the superyacht hub of La Spezia, where there are numerous new build and refit shipyards, also gives Darina an edge in her field. “I can easily visit the charter yachts in the local shipyards and marinas and speak to the captains face to face,” Darina explains. “This really helps with getting to know the yachts on the market so that I can make trustworthy recommendations to my clients.”
Since joining Moravia, Darina has specialised in facilitating memorable charters on board 70m-plus yachts. During a recent charter on a 90-metre motor yacht in Greece, for example, Darina arranged an extraordinary birthday for a client. “His wife had bought him a Corvette as a present, which she wanted to be delivered to the yacht as a surprise during the charter,” recalls Darina. “We organised for a crane to lift the car onto the yacht’s helipad overnight and, when the client woke up in the morning, it was sitting in front of the master cabin!”
For Darina, it’s these types of achievements that fuel her passion for her job; “Some clients just want something extraordinary and memorable, no matter what it takes, and I’m always happy to help make these requests happen”.
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