Management
Stuart Nicholls
Executive Chairman
Over the last 30 years Stuart has witnessed the technological evolution of the shipping industry, from the demise of morse and telex as a young deck officer, to the introduction of internet as a serving deep sea Master.
When he came ashore Stuart bootstrapped StratumFive, then a vessel tracking and remote monitoring software company. A decade later, StratumFive now serves 12,000 vessels and 450 shipping companies. He is a Non-Executive Director, an industry author, a Fellow of the Nautical Institute and Younger Brethren of Trinity House.
Ross Martin
Chief Executive Officer
As Chief Executive Officer of StratumFive, Ross is responsible for the global operations of the company. Since 2011 he has been living and breathing StratumFive with a focus on developing and delivering technology-driven solutions, providing outstanding customer service, and driving continuous company growth.
Prior to making his mark on StratumFive and the commercial shipping industry, Ross enjoyed a rich and varied career, including leadership positions in a blue-chip pharmaceutical company and a successful career in the music industry.
Mike Powell
Chief Business Officer
Mike is an accomplished senior executive, former solicitor and master mariner, with a wealth of operations leadership credentials gained from a varied career in the maritime sector, working with companies such as BP Shipping, Glencore’s ST Shipping, Maersk Tankers, Union Maritime and now StratumFive.
With an established reputation as a subject matter expert Mike is often engaged as a conference speaker and facilitator providing commentary on industry developments and direction which adds significant value to his role as Strategy Director.
Liveryman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, Fellow of the Nautical Institute and Supporting Member of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association.
Darin Keeter
Chief PRODUCT Officer
Darin joined StratumFive as a Ship Router in our METOPS department in 2018 and has been working in the Engineering Department since fall of 2020.
Prior to joining StratumFive, Darin spent close to three decades as a Meteorologist and Oceanographer in the United States Navy. His experiences include duties at sea on a variety of ships, Project/Operations Manager in a high-performance computer center and as Regional Director of Meteorological Support Operations for Europe, Africa and South West Asia.
Darin’s education background includes MSc Degrees in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, undergraduate degree in Natural Science and Mathematics, and numerous specialty schools for weather forecasting and ship routing.