Early Career and Path to Leadership

Ashlee Williams began her journey in the maritime and shipping sector over twenty years ago. Her passion for the industry combined with a keen interest in technology and data management set her apart early on. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the Open University, a credential that equipped her with foundational business skills that she has since blended with deep maritime knowledge.

Starting her career in operational roles, Ashlee quickly rose through the ranks by demonstrating a rare combination of analytical insight and people-oriented leadership. She gained international experience by managing teams and projects in diverse cultural contexts, notably in Malaysia and Singapore – regions critical to global shipping routes. Her multicultural expertise helps her  navigate complex market dynamics and regulatory environments, positioning her as a global leader capable of steering large organizations through rapid change and growth.

Strategic Vision: Data as the Key to Transformation

What sets Ashlee apart is her visionary approach to data as not just an asset, but a transformational tool. As Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Maritime Minds, a consultancy she launched in 2024, Ashlee dedicates herself to helping companies unlock value from their data assets. Unlocking opportunity is driven through a deep understanding of data assets. True optimisation can be achieved by combining this deep-expert driven knowledge of data today, with trends and a broader grasp of what value can be derived from the integration of other data assets. Maritime Minds specializes in business strategy, financial management, human resources, data governance, and operational optimization – areas crucial to maximizing growth and efficiency in a competitive industry.

The pace of technology change is significant. Having an experienced advisor who understands maritime data assets and the value-driven applications of technology minimises risks and ensures a pragmatic approach to strategic decision-making.

Ashlee’s approach emphasizes increasing productivity through the intelligent use of data. She integrates cutting-edge technologies and digital transformation practices to streamline workflows and improve decision-making accuracy. This has proven especially successful in           a sector traditionally reliant on manual processes, legacy systems and an under-valuing view of data.

Her leadership at Maritime Minds is characterized by a hands-on partnership model, where each client’s unique challenges are addressed with tailored strategies. Her extensive experience overseeing data operations, client services, and merger and acquisition reviews positions her as a trusted advisor for companies aiming to modernize and integrate world-class data assets globally.

Driving Inclusion and Diversity in Maritime

Ashlee Williams is not only a data and operations leader but also a pioneering advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in shipping and maritime communities worldwide. She founded the “Women in Maritime” initiative while at S&P Global (formerly IHS Markit), focused on improving gender diversity and creating a more inclusive company culture.

Beyond the corporate environment, Ashlee collaborates internationally with bodies like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International). She helped develop and implement the inaugural global survey gathering baseline data on women’s participation in maritime and ocean sectors. Ashlee, in her role as Chief Operations Officer at Intent Communications, has been instrumental in the production of the Women in Maritime Survey 2024 – A report on the participation of women in the public and private maritime sector workforces. The surveys provide invaluable insights into the global trends of women’s participation. And whilst the global trend in the number of women in maritime across both public and private sectors is going up (176,820 women in 2024 versus 151,799 in 2021); it represents a downward trend in ratios of women to men. Although the data demonstrates a complex view, the insights in the report highlight the need for sustained efforts and enable the development of more effective strategies that  create an inclusive maritime industry, one focused on the push toward gender parity.

Her advocacy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of equitable opportunities and the empowerment of women in all sectors. In addition, Ashlee supports programs that mentor young women and girls, encouraging careers in maritime and STEM fields through education, networking, and leadership development.

Extensive International Experience and Achievements

Ashlee’s career includes senior leadership roles such as Vice President of Data Operations, Client Services & Customer Care at IHS Markit and Global Head of Data Operations at S&P Global. During her time in these roles, she led a global maritime and trade team of over 160      professionals and drove operational excellence across multiple regions.

Her expertise ranges from workflow automation and data management to governance frameworks and business transformation. Notably, she has been instrumental in M&A due diligence processes, integration of large-scale data assets, and ensuring compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements.

Additionally, Ashlee served as a trusted advisor to international organizations including the IMO and the Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Her guidance supported complex global initiatives like combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities – an issue critical to maritime sustainability and security.

Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and cultural change management, earning her multiple awards and recognitions such as being named in the “Top 100 Women in Shipping” and among the “Most Inspirational Women in Business 2023”.

Impact on Maritime Data Governance and Safety

A key pillar of Ashlee’s maritime vision is robust data governance. Maritime operations depend heavily on accurate, timely information – whether it is vessel characteristics, vessel tracking, cargo data, or compliance related documents. Ashlee’s work ensures that maritime companies and authorities implement high standards for data integrity, security, and usability.

Her knowledge and decades of experience managing the IMO ship, company, and registered owner numbering schemes, which are critical for vessel identification and regulatory compliance worldwide are widely recognised. By enhancing data quality and visibility in operations , Ashlee helps reduce organisational risks and supports leaders in enhancing decision-making and driving greater efficiency within their organisations.    

Mentorship and Industry Leadership

Ashlee has emerged as a role model for aspiring leaders in the maritime sector. Through mentorship programs and speaking engagements, she actively shares knowledge and experience to build capacity in the workforce. Her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership development inspires many across the industry.

She emphasizes kindness and respect in professional networks, believing that a supportive culture accelerates innovation and success. This philosophy extends to the importance of           practical training, talent management, and inclusive leadership practices.

Future of Maritime: Digital Transformation and Beyond

Looking ahead, Ashlee is excited about emerging trends that will shape maritime’s future. These include digitalisation, (digital ship identities and green and digital corridors, understanding adjacent industries use cases for AI), advanced analytics for optimising routes, predictive vessel maintenance and decarbonisation – a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.                

Ashlee advocates for greater investment in maritime education and the expansion of digital skills among seafarers and shore-based staff. Her vision is a maritime ecosystem that is agile, sustainable, and inclusive – driven by data and empowered by a diverse workforce who understand and can use the value of data to drive success in a digital world.

A Visionary Shaping a Resilient Maritime Industry

Ashlee Williams stands at the forefront of maritime industry transformation. She is a rare combination of visionary data strategist, inclusive leader, and industry expert whose work is advancing organisations into a new era of opportunity.

Through her leadership at Maritime Minds, her advocacy for women and diversity, and her strategic partnerships with international organisations, Ashlee is ensuring the maritime industry not only navigates the data challenges of today but thrives well into the future.

Her story is one of determination, innovation, and heart – a true testament to the power of visionary leadership in an industry fundamental to the world’s economy.