Our team

Quentin NIEK

CEO

Quentin NIEK

CEO

After finishing his Master in Business Consulting, Quentin began his career in the yachting industry, a familiar environment he has been part of since his childhood. After spending 2 year in San Francisco to perfect his English, he joined the CSO Yachts’ Team with a wide range of knowledge on many aspects of the Business. Quentin works with both Sales and Charter teams to provide technical support on the information systems and operational input as he spent several months working in CSO Yachts in his youth.

After finishing his Master in Business Consulting, Quentin ... Read more

After finishing his Master in Business Consulting, Quentin began his career in the yachting industry, a familiar environment he has been part of since his childhood. After spending 2 year in San Francisco to perfect his English, he joined the CSO Yachts’ Team with a wide range of knowledge on many aspects of the Business. Quentin works with both Sales and Charter teams to provide technical support on the information systems and operational input as he spent several months working in CSO Yachts in his youth. Close

Quentin speak

Karen O'CONNOR

Senior Charter Broker

Karen O'CONNOR

Senior Charter Broker

In the past 25 years Karen has had the pleasure of experiencing different aspects of the yachting industry from working on yachts and for a renowned shipyard to being a guest before becoming a passionate Charter Broker. She put’s a lot of attention into finding the right yacht and taking care of all the details.

In the own words of her client: “she always goes that extra mile in order to provide seamless and truly exceptional charter experience”.

Irish, born and raised in London where she studied in French school, Karen moved to Cannes over 30 years ago and is perfectly bilingual.

When not in the office you will probably find her on the golf course or at one of the many yacht shows around the world that she loves attending to keep up to date with the market, develop good relationship with colleagues and participate in the “fam trips” to discover in detail the yachts and the destinations.

In the past 25 years ... Read more

In the past 25 years Karen has had the pleasure of experiencing different aspects of the yachting industry from working on yachts and for a renowned shipyard to being a guest before becoming a passionate Charter Broker. She put’s a lot of attention into finding the right yacht and taking care of all the details.

In the own words of her client: “she always goes that extra mile in order to provide seamless and truly exceptional charter experience”.

Irish, born and raised in London where she studied in French school, Karen moved to Cannes over 30 years ago and is perfectly bilingual.

When not in the office you will probably find her on the golf course or at one of the many yacht shows around the world that she loves attending to keep up to date with the market, develop good relationship with colleagues and participate in the “fam trips” to discover in detail the yachts and the destinations.

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Karen speak

Laurence HIERSO

Yacht Manager

Laurence HIERSO

Yacht Manager

With a previous 5 years of experience in the yachting industry at Rodriguez Group, where she was Assistant of the Commercial Export Director, Laurence had a great knowledge of the administrative, accounting and crew management as well as a comprehensive experience in the refit and flag registries. Since then, she has been working in the import/export in many industries but with the firm conviction that she will get back in the yachting one day.

She joined CSO Yachts in late 2022 as Yachts Manager to pursue her will to work in within the industry and deliver her management skills to our clients.

With a previous 5 years of experience in ... Read more

With a previous 5 years of experience in the yachting industry at Rodriguez Group, where she was Assistant of the Commercial Export Director, Laurence had a great knowledge of the administrative, accounting and crew management as well as a comprehensive experience in the refit and flag registries. Since then, she has been working in the import/export in many industries but with the firm conviction that she will get back in the yachting one day.

She joined CSO Yachts in late 2022 as Yachts Manager to pursue her will to work in within the industry and deliver her management skills to our clients.

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Laurence speak

Claude NIEK

Yacht Consultant

Claude NIEK

Yacht Consultant

Beginning his career in yachting in 1985, Claude joined Claude Schmitt Organisation as Sales Broker. With his extensive network, influence and charisma, Claude quickly became a respected broker – frequently setting records as well as inspiring and assisting other in the industry. In 1997, Claude became Director of the newly rebranded CSO Yachts and has since been the driving force behind an expanding and successful team in Sales and Management.

With 35 years of experience and knowledge, Claude has not only seen great changes in the industry but has been a great motivator in helping to push it forward. He has held seats on numerous yachting committees and professional associations including MYBA, ECPY and YBDSA where, as a board member, Claude has been active in helping shape the yachting industry for the better.

Beginning his career in yachting in 1985, Claude joined ... Read more

Beginning his career in yachting in 1985, Claude joined Claude Schmitt Organisation as Sales Broker. With his extensive network, influence and charisma, Claude quickly became a respected broker – frequently setting records as well as inspiring and assisting other in the industry. In 1997, Claude became Director of the newly rebranded CSO Yachts and has since been the driving force behind an expanding and successful team in Sales and Management.

With 35 years of experience and knowledge, Claude has not only seen great changes in the industry but has been a great motivator in helping to push it forward. He has held seats on numerous yachting committees and professional associations including MYBA, ECPY and YBDSA where, as a board member, Claude has been active in helping shape the yachting industry for the better. Close

Claude speak

Alexandra DOLEZELOVA DE KOCK

Charter Broker

Alexandra DOLEZELOVA DE KOCK

Charter Broker

Political Science graduate, Alexandra has spent years working on board of super yachts and as Charter Assistant before her Charter Broker experience. This full insight into the world of yachting makes her a great addition to the Charter Team as a broker and enables her to respond to client’s demands in the most efficient and satisfactory manner.

Political Science graduate, Alexandra has spent years ... Read more

Political Science graduate, Alexandra has spent years working on board of super yachts and as Charter Assistant before her Charter Broker experience. This full insight into the world of yachting makes her a great addition to the Charter Team as a broker and enables her to respond to client’s demands in the most efficient and satisfactory manner. Close

Alexandra speak

Laurence LALLART

Assistant Manager

Laurence LALLART

Assistant Manager

Laurence has been working in an international environment for 30 years as an administrative and sales assistant. Always attentive, she knows how to meet expectations and anticipate needs. She notably served as a Sales Assistant for Edition Bougainville for over 5 years, where she assisted sales representatives in the realization and follow-up of high-end carpet decoration projects for hotels, yachts, stores, and private individuals.

Methodical, proactive, and versatile, Laurence joined the CSO Yachts team in March 2024 to support the team managers. Originally from Cannes, she spent a year in London, which allowed her to become perfectly bilingual.

Laurence has been working in an international environment for 30 years as an ... Read more

Laurence has been working in an international environment for 30 years as an administrative and sales assistant. Always attentive, she knows how to meet expectations and anticipate needs. She notably served as a Sales Assistant for Edition Bougainville for over 5 years, where she assisted sales representatives in the realization and follow-up of high-end carpet decoration projects for hotels, yachts, stores, and private individuals.

Methodical, proactive, and versatile, Laurence joined the CSO Yachts team in March 2024 to support the team managers. Originally from Cannes, she spent a year in London, which allowed her to become perfectly bilingual. Close

Laurence speak

Elisabeth NIEK

Charter Departement Manager

Elisabeth NIEK

Charter Departement Manager

With her strong background in accounting and management, combined with her energetic and “can-do” attitude, Elisabeth possesses an innate ability to identify new trends, drive innovation, and deliver an exceptional level of service. As a world traveler, she has explored over 55 countries and visited all the premier charter destinations, including the Balearics, French Riviera, Corsica/Sardinia, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Italy, the Bahamas, the Galapagos, Thailand, and the Caribbean, to name just a few. She attends yacht charter boat shows worldwide, providing her with valuable insider information about the finest and most luxurious boats available for charter.

With over 25 years of experience as a charter broker, Elisabeth is a respected and trusted member of the brokerage community. She has been actively involved with MYBA—the yachting association dedicated to promoting and enhancing professionalism and ethics among yacht brokers—serving as both a board member and treasurer. She continues to be a prominent voice within the communications committee. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice-President and is an active board member of ECPY—the European Committee of Professionals in Yachting—where she is committed to fostering economic growth within the yachting industry. Elisabeth consistently upholds her excellent reputation among clients, captains, and owners, and her extensive knowledge of fiscal and customs procedures ensures that the CSO Yachts Charter Department remains at the forefront of the yachting world.

With her strong background in accounting and management, combined ... Read more

With her strong background in accounting and management, combined with her energetic and “can-do” attitude, Elisabeth possesses an innate ability to identify new trends, drive innovation, and deliver an exceptional level of service. As a world traveler, she has explored over 55 countries and visited all the premier charter destinations, including the Balearics, French Riviera, Corsica/Sardinia, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Italy, the Bahamas, the Galapagos, Thailand, and the Caribbean, to name just a few. She attends yacht charter boat shows worldwide, providing her with valuable insider information about the finest and most luxurious boats available for charter.

With over 25 years of experience as a charter broker, Elisabeth is a respected and trusted member of the brokerage community. She has been actively involved with MYBA—the yachting association dedicated to promoting and enhancing professionalism and ethics among yacht brokers—serving as both a board member and treasurer. She continues to be a prominent voice within the communications committee. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice-President and is an active board member of ECPY—the European Committee of Professionals in Yachting—where she is committed to fostering economic growth within the yachting industry. Elisabeth consistently upholds her excellent reputation among clients, captains, and owners, and her extensive knowledge of fiscal and customs procedures ensures that the CSO Yachts Charter Department remains at the forefront of the yachting world.

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Elisabeth speak

Michel PREZIOSO

Yacht Consultant

Michel PREZIOSO

Yacht Consultant

Michel entered the world of yachting in 2015, when he became a deputy director of C.N.C – Couach. Following two years spent at this highly regarded shipyard, he joined the CSO Yachts’ Team in a role of Yacht Consultant. His experience and international connections are the two assets, which help to best meet the needs of our clients.

Michel entered the world of yachting in 2015, when he became ... Read more

Michel entered the world of yachting in 2015, when he became a deputy director of C.N.C – Couach. Following two years spent at this highly regarded shipyard, he joined the CSO Yachts’ Team in a role of Yacht Consultant. His experience and international connections are the two assets, which help to best meet the needs of our clients. Close

Michel speak

Sweet

Mascot / Stress relief Agent

Sweet

Mascot / Stress relief Agent

Sweet is a Border Collie who has been recruted for her soft fur and stress relieving effect on the team.

Rescued dog, fearful and discreet, you can see her with Elisabeth or at the Cannes Charter Office on Tuesday and Friday afternoons.

Sweet is a Border Collie who has been recruted for her soft fur and stress ... Read more

Sweet is a Border Collie who has been recruted for her soft fur and stress relieving effect on the team.

Rescued dog, fearful and discreet, you can see her with Elisabeth or at the Cannes Charter Office on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Close

Steve ASHFORD

Spain Office Director & Sales Broker

Steve ASHFORD

Spain Office Director & Sales Broker

Steve is the Spain Office Director and Sales Broker with more than 20 years of experience as a captain on board of mega sailing Yachts and over 15 years in brokerage and management. Steve offers a profound expertise and possesses a great understanding of clients’ needs and therefore has been providing the best service to many satisfied Yacht buyers.

Steve is the Spain Office Director and Sales Broker with ... Read more

Steve is the Spain Office Director and Sales Broker with more than 20 years of experience as a captain on board of mega sailing Yachts and over 15 years in brokerage and management. Steve offers a profound expertise and possesses a great understanding of clients’ needs and therefore has been providing the best service to many satisfied Yacht buyers. Close

Steve speak

Olivier PARISOT

Marketing Director

Olivier PARISOT

Marketing Director

With more than 20 years of experience in the editorial market, Olivier succeed in many projects in a large variety of industries, and notably in the Yachting one. He joined the CSO Yachts’ Team in 2019 in order to bring his expertise and graphic support to every aspect of our communication, an undeniable asset for the satisfaction of our clients.

With more than 20 years of experience in the editorial ... Read more

With more than 20 years of experience in the editorial market, Olivier succeed in many projects in a large variety of industries, and notably in the Yachting one. He joined the CSO Yachts’ Team in 2019 in order to bring his expertise and graphic support to every aspect of our communication, an undeniable asset for the satisfaction of our clients. Close

Olivier speak