Meet Our Team
12 Experts Driving Excellence at Vivanta
Salim Kumar
Chief Executive Officer
B. Tech -Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding; MBA in International Business, USA.
More than 30 years of Sales, Marketing and Business Development experience in Marine & Defense Industries in UAE, Singapore and India. Extensive experience in military shipbuilding, ship repairs, upgrades, and combat management system integration, as well as commercial new builds and ship repairs. Maintains strong industry connections across the marine, oil & gas, and defense sectors.
More than 30 years of Sales, Marketing and Business Development experience in Marine & Defense Industries in UAE, Singapore and India. Extensive experience in military shipbuilding, ship repairs, upgrades, and combat management system integration, as well as commercial new builds and ship repairs. Maintains strong industry connections across the marine, oil & gas, and defense sectors.
Ashwani Kumar
Chief Financial Officer
B. Sc., FCA
Ashwani, a Chartered Accountant since 1979, has over 40 years of senior-level experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and consulting across India and the UAE. He has served as CFO, Group Corporate Controller, and Group Chief Accountant at Al Jaber Group, a leading private conglomerate in Abu Dhabi. His expertise spans sectors including Oil & gas, Infrastructure, Construction, Equipment Leasing, Trading, Manufacturing, and Marine Transportation.
Ashwani, a Chartered Accountant since 1979, has over 40 years of senior-level experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and consulting across India and the UAE. He has served as CFO, Group Corporate Controller, and Group Chief Accountant at Al Jaber Group, a leading private conglomerate in Abu Dhabi. His expertise spans sectors including Oil & gas, Infrastructure, Construction, Equipment Leasing, Trading, Manufacturing, and Marine Transportation.
Dario Arcella
Executive Vice President - Shipping, Maritime and Logistics
M.Sc. in Naval Architecture from University Federico II Italy. MBA in Shipbuilding (Italy) and MBA in Supply Chain & Logistics (Switzerland)
Dario began his career as a Naval Architect at Fincantieri Shipyards before transitioning to Sales and Marketing. After a brief stint in the UK, he moved to Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) focusing on military ship sales. He joined Topaz Energy & Marine as Sales Manager for new builds and later became Operations Director for Ship Repairs. Dario shifted to Milaha Logistics in Qatar as Vice President of Shipyards, overseeing P&L and strategy. He also served as a board member at MAN Energy Solution Qatar (4 years) and MacGregor Cargotec ME (5 years). In 2022, Dario served as VP of Marine Operations & Assets Management at Aramco JV (IMI) before becoming COO of ASRY Shipyard, where he led the company to strong financial growth and significant developments. Dario is a strong leader currently spearheading Shipping, Maritime, and Logistics operations to drive future growth.
Dario began his career as a Naval Architect at Fincantieri Shipyards before transitioning to Sales and Marketing. After a brief stint in the UK, he moved to Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) focusing on military ship sales. He joined Topaz Energy & Marine as Sales Manager for new builds and later became Operations Director for Ship Repairs. Dario shifted to Milaha Logistics in Qatar as Vice President of Shipyards, overseeing P&L and strategy. He also served as a board member at MAN Energy Solution Qatar (4 years) and MacGregor Cargotec ME (5 years). In 2022, Dario served as VP of Marine Operations & Assets Management at Aramco JV (IMI) before becoming COO of ASRY Shipyard, where he led the company to strong financial growth and significant developments. Dario is a strong leader currently spearheading Shipping, Maritime, and Logistics operations to drive future growth.
Arjun Kumar
Executive Director
MBA in Finance & Marketing, Heriott Watt University, UK
Arjun is a seasoned professional with over six years of experience in the dynamic fields of technology and marketing. He has built an impressive career by leading a business vertical at one of the world’s leading food tech companies, where his leadership played a crucial role in expanding market share and boosting profitability. His ability to drive growth in a highly competitive environment highlights his strategic mindset and operational expertise.Arjun is at the forefront of establishing a strong and impactful brand presence in the maritime sector. He focuses on crafting targeted marketing strategies that address the unique demands of the marine industry along with the culture of innovation. Arjun’s success in the fast-paced tech world equips him with the agility and foresight needed to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the maritime sector. His collaborative leadership style empowers teams to execute initiatives effectively, driving both growth and long-term sustainability.
Arjun is a seasoned professional with over six years of experience in the dynamic fields of technology and marketing. He has built an impressive career by leading a business vertical at one of the world’s leading food tech companies, where his leadership played a crucial role in expanding market share and boosting profitability. His ability to drive growth in a highly competitive environment highlights his strategic mindset and operational expertise.Arjun is at the forefront of establishing a strong and impactful brand presence in the maritime sector. He focuses on crafting targeted marketing strategies that address the unique demands of the marine industry along with the culture of innovation. Arjun’s success in the fast-paced tech world equips him with the agility and foresight needed to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the maritime sector. His collaborative leadership style empowers teams to execute initiatives effectively, driving both growth and long-term sustainability.
Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Ali Alshehhi
Advisor to the CEO
A postgraduate of the Egyptian Naval College in Alexandria, he served with distinction in the UAE Navy for nearly 27 years before moving on to hold a senior Business Development role at ADSB for approximately eight years.
He is a highly dependable and knowledgeable Emirati professional with extensive contacts across UAE and GCC security institutional leadership circles, and he continues to maintain exceptional relationships with peers throughout the regional marine industry.
He is a highly dependable and knowledgeable Emirati professional with extensive contacts across UAE and GCC security institutional leadership circles, and he continues to maintain exceptional relationships with peers throughout the regional marine industry.
Cdr Javed Mehboob I.N (Retd.)
Director, Commercial
B Tech (Mechanical), DIIT (Naval Const) IIT Kharagpur, MSC (Naval Sciences) Naval Academy Russia, Diploma Military Interpretership Russian/ English
46 years of comprehensive, diversified management and engineering experience in military & commercial shipbuilding, ship repairs, conversions, building supervision, overseeing, project management of Naval Shipbuilding and Ship Acquisition projects, shipyard management, repairs of MAN diesel engines, teaching post graduate program in Naval Architecture, offshore chartering and ports and terminals construction. Extensive experience in management of bulk shipping, rock and aggregates transportation, logistics and corporate business development.
46 years of comprehensive, diversified management and engineering experience in military & commercial shipbuilding, ship repairs, conversions, building supervision, overseeing, project management of Naval Shipbuilding and Ship Acquisition projects, shipyard management, repairs of MAN diesel engines, teaching post graduate program in Naval Architecture, offshore chartering and ports and terminals construction. Extensive experience in management of bulk shipping, rock and aggregates transportation, logistics and corporate business development.
Ashraf Ragab
Director, Marine Operations
Bachelor of Engineering, Marine Chief Engineer, Class Surveyor & ISO Internal Auditor
A Highly motivated and skilled Marine Operations Engineer with an outstanding 25 years of offshore experience in the marine fields and shipping industry.Creative and tenacious problem solver with team-oriented, proactive management style; noted for on-time project completion and building positive working relationships with peers, crews, and management. He has led numerous high‑impact projects for ADNOC, TOTAL, ABK, and BAHRI. He brings deep expertise across all aspects of marine technical operations, and his extensive knowledge ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of our marine projects.
A Highly motivated and skilled Marine Operations Engineer with an outstanding 25 years of offshore experience in the marine fields and shipping industry.Creative and tenacious problem solver with team-oriented, proactive management style; noted for on-time project completion and building positive working relationships with peers, crews, and management. He has led numerous high‑impact projects for ADNOC, TOTAL, ABK, and BAHRI. He brings deep expertise across all aspects of marine technical operations, and his extensive knowledge ensures the reliable and efficient delivery of our marine projects.
Commander (IN, Rtd.) Satish Raja Varma
Director, Naval Projects
Degree in Naval Architecture & Ship Building, MSc, Warship, MSc, Strategy & Defense studies
A highly experienced professional with 36+ years of experience in techno commercial activities of the Marine industry. His association with Construction & Repair of ships/submarines, inspection, quality assurance, commissioning tests and trials along with years of experience in survey of marine hull structures has enriched his expertise in the field of ship repair, management of Conversion Projects, ship design & Ship building.
A highly experienced professional with 36+ years of experience in techno commercial activities of the Marine industry. His association with Construction & Repair of ships/submarines, inspection, quality assurance, commissioning tests and trials along with years of experience in survey of marine hull structures has enriched his expertise in the field of ship repair, management of Conversion Projects, ship design & Ship building.
Majd Sharaf
Director, Marine Operations.
Director, Marine and Civil Construction
A graduate with Honors from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, he brings over 30 years of construction experience with leading international firms, including Trafalgar House, John Laing Construction, and BAE Systems.
His career highlights include pivotal roles in developing the naval shipyard at Abu Dhabi Ship Building; constructing wharves and quay walls at Perth Shipyard for BAE Systems Australia; and leading diverse infrastructure and civil engineering projects throughout the UK, Qatar, and the UAE.
A graduate with Honors from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, he brings over 30 years of construction experience with leading international firms, including Trafalgar House, John Laing Construction, and BAE Systems.
His career highlights include pivotal roles in developing the naval shipyard at Abu Dhabi Ship Building; constructing wharves and quay walls at Perth Shipyard for BAE Systems Australia; and leading diverse infrastructure and civil engineering projects throughout the UK, Qatar, and the UAE.
Oleg Aleynikov
Head, Cranes and Lifting
B. Tech in Machines & Equipment for Power Station of Oil and Gas Industry.
Over 20 years of experience in the onshore / offshore O&G industry, focused on the technical aspects related to construction and installation of pedestal, Gantry and overhead cranes. Worked for various international companies in the Middle East and Caspian region, including McDermott, EnerMech and Sparrows.
He Worked as Contract Support Engineer for main BP crane service & maintenance contract, after which was appointed as Crane Contract Focal Point. Seconded to Sparrows Group in Qatar. Sound knowledge in all aspects of crane operations and maintenance. Have a structured methodical approach to work and delivers quality in everything he does. Oleg has good interpersonal skills and is a good communicator.
Over 20 years of experience in the onshore / offshore O&G industry, focused on the technical aspects related to construction and installation of pedestal, Gantry and overhead cranes. Worked for various international companies in the Middle East and Caspian region, including McDermott, EnerMech and Sparrows.
He Worked as Contract Support Engineer for main BP crane service & maintenance contract, after which was appointed as Crane Contract Focal Point. Seconded to Sparrows Group in Qatar. Sound knowledge in all aspects of crane operations and maintenance. Have a structured methodical approach to work and delivers quality in everything he does. Oleg has good interpersonal skills and is a good communicator.
Commander Mustujab Hasan (Retd. IN)
Consultant
B.E. Manit, DIIT (Naval Const) IIT Kharagpur, D.A.M. Bajaj Institute.
Commander Hasan is a highly accomplished marine professional with over 44 years of techno-commercial experience in commercial and project management, business development, and contracting. He began his career as an officer in the Indian Navy’s Corps of Constructors, playing a key role in major projects, including the acquisition and upgrade of an aircraft carrier. After 20 years of naval service, he held senior commercial roles in leading UAE shipyards such as Drydocks World Dubai and Abu Dhabi Ship Building, overseeing both military and commercial shipbuilding and repairs. Known for achieving tough targets, strengthening client relationships, and mentoring teams, he is respected for his strategic mindset, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Commander Hasan is a highly accomplished marine professional with over 44 years of techno-commercial experience in commercial and project management, business development, and contracting. He began his career as an officer in the Indian Navy’s Corps of Constructors, playing a key role in major projects, including the acquisition and upgrade of an aircraft carrier. After 20 years of naval service, he held senior commercial roles in leading UAE shipyards such as Drydocks World Dubai and Abu Dhabi Ship Building, overseeing both military and commercial shipbuilding and repairs. Known for achieving tough targets, strengthening client relationships, and mentoring teams, he is respected for his strategic mindset, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Jayalal KP
Director, Technical
B. Tech in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding; MBA
30 years of experience working in ship building & offshore engineering related to vessel new buildings and offshore structures transportation & installations.
Experience in the offshore industry is primarily focused on the engineering aspects related to loadout, transportation and installation of offshore platforms. Worked as project manager for the new build of lift boats and variety of offshore transportation and installation engineering projects and had been an Engineering Manager to Aqualis offshore and London offshore.
30 years of experience working in ship building & offshore engineering related to vessel new buildings and offshore structures transportation & installations.
Experience in the offshore industry is primarily focused on the engineering aspects related to loadout, transportation and installation of offshore platforms. Worked as project manager for the new build of lift boats and variety of offshore transportation and installation engineering projects and had been an Engineering Manager to Aqualis offshore and London offshore.
Jamie Reyes
Head of Finance, Administration & Government Relations
B.Sc in Finance
Jamie Reyes is an outstanding administrative leader with 8 years as an Executive Assistant and 4 years as Head of Administration. She leads a skilled team, ensuring everything from critical scheduling to handling sensitive matters is executed flawlessly.As the head of administration for a prestigious multinational company, she is responsible for managing a team of skilled professionals who keep the company running smoothly. Her exceptional organization and commitment make her indispensable force in keeping the company efficient and well‑aligned with its goals.
Jamie Reyes is an outstanding administrative leader with 8 years as an Executive Assistant and 4 years as Head of Administration. She leads a skilled team, ensuring everything from critical scheduling to handling sensitive matters is executed flawlessly.As the head of administration for a prestigious multinational company, she is responsible for managing a team of skilled professionals who keep the company running smoothly. Her exceptional organization and commitment make her indispensable force in keeping the company efficient and well‑aligned with its goals.
Saish Naik
Head of Commercials
Graduate Shipbuilding Engineer, Institute of Shipbuilding Technology (ISBT)
Saish is a young Professional with more than 6 years of experience in Marine Projects Planning and Execution. After the initial experience in India, he has been with Vivanta from the inception. Saish is well experienced in estimating, contracting, technical and commercial management of Projects. He has handled very prestigious projects for us with Metito and other semi-governmental clients in UAE and GCC. A Ship Building Engineer with thorough technical knowledge and great commercial acumen with impeccable Integrity and Dependability. All our Projects Bidding, Estimations and other commercial aspects are managed under his leadership.
Saish is a young Professional with more than 6 years of experience in Marine Projects Planning and Execution. After the initial experience in India, he has been with Vivanta from the inception. Saish is well experienced in estimating, contracting, technical and commercial management of Projects. He has handled very prestigious projects for us with Metito and other semi-governmental clients in UAE and GCC. A Ship Building Engineer with thorough technical knowledge and great commercial acumen with impeccable Integrity and Dependability. All our Projects Bidding, Estimations and other commercial aspects are managed under his leadership.