As the yachting industry continues to grow, more and more women are making a significant impact on this traditionally male-dominated space. Here, YATCO takes the time to get to know some of these women – from all areas of the market – and highlight the important work that they contribute to the industry.
Anne Dixon is the Director of Deep Data for Northrop & Johnson.
Featuring Anne Dixon, Director of Deep Data of Northrop & Johnson
What drew you to the yachting world?
My start in the yachting industry was more accidental than planned. My family and I moved to the South of France in 2006 and a yacht brokerage company in Golfe Juan was advertising a three-month temporary position. It opened the yachting world to me, and I have never looked back.
How did you get your start in yachting?
The three-month temporary position very quickly turned into 15 years. My first position was to copy 2,000+ specifications from word documents to a new yacht database that was being developed. I quickly learned a lot about yachts and technical specifications.
Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to?
There are many people in my life that I look up to and help me grow, my family is especially supportive. My husband of 32 years is always there for me, offering great advice and a different point of view on things.
Regarding my working life, I am lucky to have had several mentors that led me to the job I have today. My current mentor is Daniel Ziriakus, COO of Northrop & Johnson, whom I am lucky enough to have previously worked with. Daniel has a great insight into the importance of data intelligence and how technology can develop within the industry to benefit the company, staff, and clients. I previously worked with Paolo Casani, who gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop my career and push the boundaries of what I thought I was capable of whilst always reminding me to keep long-term strategies in mind and not worry on the day-to-day issues.
What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
One of the current challenges I face is keeping up to date with the industry, whether it be new design and development, shipyard news, market intelligence, or the latest news from the dock. Having a talented team working and supporting you and being part of the “NoJo family” certainly helps. I have found that all my colleagues at Northrop & Johnson are happy to share any news they believe might be of interest. I have also learned that you can overcome challenges faster with help from others.
I love challenges and they are part of everyday life. I get huge satisfaction when I can overcome them, resolve them, or learn from the failure of them.
What advice would you give you someone who is starting in the yachting industry?
Do not be put off by what might at first seem like a closed door. Once opened, you realize that everyone is in the same boat.
What is the most rewarding/enjoyable element of your job?
I love data mining, exploring, and analyzing large amounts of data.
Data is the key to making better decisions or a better understanding, thus providing a competitive advantage in our knowledge.
It helps Northrop & Johnson to make informed commercial decisions using existing and potentially new tools.
What is your favorite thing about working in the yacht industry?
The people. During my career I have met and worked with many talented people, many of whom had the patience to explain things to me when I was first starting out. There are many colorful characters within the yachting industry, and I have enjoyed working with everyone I have met.
What are you currently working on and what keeps you motivated?
Currently I am reviewing the yacht intelligence, CRM intelligence and anything to do with data and how it can help the team at N&J. I never tire from exploring and analyzing which new yacht is coming to market or being sold and learning about the owner and captain. I enjoy studying the popular cruising grounds and how the charter market changes. From the constant hustle and bustle of the shipyards and exploring which marinas are busy to researching the demographics of buyers and charterers – the opportunities to gather and use data to the advantage of the company are endless.
Every day there is something new to discover, develop or expand upon.
