Simona TomaChief of Maritime HR at Columbia ShipmanagementSpeaker
Profile
Simona Toma is the Chief Maritime HR at Columbia Group, bringing over 20 years of global experience in shipping, maritime human resources, crew
management, and training. A former seafarer herself, she offers a unique perspective and firsthand understanding of the realities of life at sea.
Before joining Columbia, Simona held senior leadership roles with OSM Thome Group, SeaTeam Management, and A.P. Moller–Maersk, where she was
responsible for managing crewing and technical operations as well as driving strategic marine HR functions.
Simona is a passionate advocate for seafarer wellbeing, inclusive workplace culture, and leadership accountability. Her work is centered on building a
modern, resilient maritime workforce—one that prioritizes safety, diversity, and professional development. Her leadership style is defined by a people-first
approach, combining operational excellence with a deep commitment to the welfare and career growth of seafarers.
Agenda Sessions
Protecting Seafarers in the Rise of Abandonment, Criminalisation & the Dark Fleet: From Case Tracking to Structural Response
, 16:45View SessionFinancial Stress & the Hidden Cost of Upskilling: Who Is Really Paying for Decarbonisation?
, 14:55View Session
