Water Revolution Foundation appoints Aino-Leena Grapin as Chair

The Water Revolution Foundation has appointed Aino-Leena Grapin as its new Chair of the Board, effective today. She succeeds Henk de Vries III, who has held the position since the Foundation’s inception and has now been named Emeritus Chair in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the organisation and its mission.

Grapin joined the Foundation’s Board in March 2025, following a four-year term as Chair of the Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce. Her appointment is part of a broader succession strategy designed to maintain continuity and momentum as the Foundation continues to push for systemic change in the superyacht industry.

As Chief Executive of Winch Design since 2016, she has overseen the studio’s evolution, including its transition to employee ownership in 2021. With over 25 years of experience leading organisations across the art, luxury and technology sectors, Grapin brings both strategic expertise and a proven dedication to sustainability.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at the Water Revolution Foundation, continuing to build on the exceptional work of Henk de Vries III whose leadership has laid a strong foundation for meaningful change in our industry,” commented Aino-Leena Grapin. 

“At Winch Design, sustainability is a core pillar of our vision, and we believe that design must be a force for positive change. I look forward to working with the Foundation and its partners to drive meaningful progress on the 2050 roadmap. We have now set ourselves a target to protect our oceans and planet for generations to come.”

The transition forms part of a gradual succession plan for the Foundation’s founding members, intended to foster long-term governance stability while preserving institutional knowledge. Additional board appointments will be announced in due course.

Vice Chair Dr Vienna Eleuteri, a founding member of the Foundation, will remain in her position following an exemption from the standard term policy. Her continued representation of the Foundation within global scientific and sustainability communities is subject to renewal every three years.

“More than six years ago now, Dr Vienna Eleuteri sparked brightly with inspiration for a cleaner future for superyachting,” added Henk de Vries III. “I am very happy and proud to have been part of this extraordinary journey. With confidence I hand the reins to Aino Grapin, who will lead our Foundation with renewed ambition and vision.”

Earlier last month the Water Revolution Foundation unveiled its long-anticipated Roadmap 2050: Towards Regenerative Yachting. The announcement follows the foundation’s third high-level strategic business gathering in Lerici, Italy, hosted by Sanlorenzo, where over sixty CEOs from across the sector convened to accelerate progress from awareness to implementation.