Aino Grapin takes over the reins as new chair of Water Revolution Foundation

Winch Design is proud to announce that Aino Grapin has been appointed as the new Chair of the Water Revolution Foundation Board, effective 1 July 2025. Aino succeeds Henk de Vries III, who has been a driving force behind the Foundation since its inception.

Aino joined the Foundation’s Board in March 2025, following her four year chairing role of the Sustainable Yacht Design Taskforce, and now steps into this prominent leadership role as part of a thoughtfully planned succession strategy designed to ensure continuity and momentum in the Water Revolution Foundation's mission. With over 25 years of experience growing and leading organisations across the art, luxury, and technology sectors, Aino brings a wealth of strategic insight and a proven commitment to sustainability.

As Chief Executive of Winch Design since 2016, Aino has led the company through a significant evolution, including its transition to employee ownership in 2021. Her background in strategy consulting, combined with her deep passion for sustainable innovation, makes her an ideal leader to steer Water Revolution Foundation into its next chapter.

"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. 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 as a target to protect our oceans and planet for generations to come." Aino Grapin, CEO, Winch Design

Aino joins an exceptional group of superyacht leaders on the WRF board, including Henk de Vries (Emeritus Chair), Peter Lürssen, Martin Redmayne, Philippe Briand, Carolina Corral, Vienna Eleuteri and Louis van Beurden. The foundations’ daily operations are managed by a dedicated group of sustainability experts, led by Robert van Tol. 

As a founding chairman, Henk de Vries III played an instrumental role in shaping the Foundation’s mission and strategic direction. In recognition of his enduring legacy, he has been awarded the honorary title of Emeritus Chair.

“More than six years ago now, Dr. Vienna Eleuteri sparked brightly with inspiration for a cleaner future for superyachting. 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” states Henk de Vries.

Recognising the importance of stability and continuity, Water Revolution Foundation has implemented a gradual succession scheme for its founding members. This strategy ensures steady leadership renewal while preserving institutional knowledge and board effectiveness. With a strong and evolving leadership team, Water Revolution Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate sustainability in the yachting sector through collaboration, science-based solutions, and regenerative practices.