Our Team
Our passion for sailing and innovation drives everything we do. Each team member brings diverse expertise, from design and racing to craftsmanship, all united by a commitment to performance and style.
With deep connections to the sailing world, we combine technical precision, sustainability, and a shared love for the sea to create footwear that meets the highest standards for sailors everywhere.
James Barshall
Co-Founder & CEO
A veteran brand builder focused on innovation and market strategy, Jamie leads Équipement De Vie with a dedication to quality and sustainable development, driving the brand to continuously push the boundaries of sailing footwear.
Charles Finch
Co-Founder
An ever-stylish expert in fashion and the entertainment industry, Charles has a lifelong passion for sailing, fishing, and adventure. His unique vision merges luxury with technical functionality, ensuring our footwear excels both in performance and design.
Nat Lemieux
Head of Industry Sales and Team Manager
An accomplished American racer and former Captain of Charles Finch's classic yacht, Gael, Nat has spent a lifetime on the water as one of the most experienced professional yachtsmen in the business.
Céline Vary
Operations Manager
Céline oversees all administrative functions at Équipement De Vie, bringing extensive experience in operations management to ensure our day-to-day processes run smoothly and efficiently.
Reuben Arnold
Footwear Designer
With decades of technical expertise in footwear design, Reuben leads our creative process, from concept to production, ensuring every pair of shoes meets the highest standards of performance and comfort.
Nicolas Meza
Visual communication
Nicolas specializes in brand visuals, website design, and social media strategy, ensuring Équipement De Vie’s online presence reflects the precision and style of our footwear.
Sales
Neil Kirkby
UK Sales
Neil is one of the most experienced footwear agents in the UK and represents brands such as Trickers and Quoddy among many others.
Martin McNary
Maritime and US sales
A leading rigger in the world of sailing, Marty is an America’s Cup and Super Yacht veteran based in Newport. His deep industry knowledge makes him a vital part of our sales team.
Tom Yamasaki
Japan Sales
Tom represents Équipement De Vie in the Japanese market, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and a deep passion for sailing to expand our presence in Asia.