About Us
Karina Roholte Befeld
Founder & Senior Crew Agent | karina@elitecrewintl.com
Founder and President of Elite Crew International, she has brought Elite Crew International to the forefront of the industry. She has 11 years’ experience working onboard luxury yachts as well as holding a Degree in Business & Languages. Her knowledge, attention to detail, strength and experience has enabled her to put together a highly experienced team, whom have been with her for many years. They offer a hands-on approach with a more personal touch to more than 1800 Mega yachts world wide. Her reputation in the industry continues to be unsurpassed. Karina Roholte Befeld and ECI have become the “go to” resource for industry questions, trends and surveys. As an industry authority, Karina has been quoted by major yachting publications worldwide. Karina also attends the International Boat Shows and has been a guest speaker at Captain Seminars for several large European shipyards.
Angela E Wilson
Crew Agent / Marketing Director | angela@elitecrewintl.com
Angela joined ECI in early 2003. She has worked in the maritime industry since 1996, both at sea and as a Crew Agent. Having trained under the watchful eye of Karina Roholte Befeld, Founder of ECI, she has mastered the art of meeting the needs of their valued clients. Angela is highly knowledgeable at vetting candidates for the Luxury Mega Yacht Industry as well as for Estates. She is considered a placement specialist and has been quoted in many yachting publications around the World. Angela was also an integral part in getting Elite Crew International MLC 2006 certified in Summer 2012 – marking them as the World’s first Crew Placement Agency to do so.
Randi Barry
Crew Agent | randi@elitecrewintl.com
Randi is a welcomed addition to our team in the Ft Lauderdale office. She developed a strong interest in sailing while growing up on the West Coast of Canada. Having been a crewmember since 2008 she now applies those personal experiences to making successful matches between our clients and crew.
Madeleine Bensch
Crew Agent / Accounts | madeleine@elitecrewintl.com
Madeleine became part of the Elite Crew International team in early 2006. Having a strong background in yachting and a Degree in Industrial Psychology, she’s one of our highly experienced Crew Agents! She looks forward to providing professional and dedicated service to our clients and crew.
Annie Hilerio
Crew Agent | annie@elitecrewintl.com
Annie joined Elite Crew International in 2007. She brings with her a background in human resources which has enabled her to be quite adept at screening and interviewing newly registered crew. She also helps educate crew of their rights (according to MLC 2006 guidelines), verifies references & licenses, and offers career counseling.
Lina Palm
Barcelona Office Manager | lina@elitecrewintl.com
Lina was headhunted to run our Barcelona office. Originally from Sweden, she is charming, outgoing and very professional. With a background in hospitality and over seven years of working as a Chief Stewardess on yachts, she brings with her some first-hand knowledge and experience from the yachting industry. Lina looks forward to welcoming you to our new office suites in Marina Port Vell in Barcelona!
Nora J. Lewark
Placement Coordinator & Receptionist | nora@elitecrewintl.com
Nora has been with Elite Crew International since its inception in 1998! She is the first person to welcome you into the front office – always with a smile. Nora is a knowledgeable member to the ECI family and is invaluable to the day to day operations.
Bethany Laurenti
Crew Coordinator | support@elitecrewintl.com
Bethany came to Elite Crew International bringing with her clerical skills and a background in the legal field. She has a strong work ethic and is driven to succeed in this industry. Her dedication to her work and her proven longevity have made her a valued asset to her employers.
Bob Befeld
Retired Yacht Captain & Consultant
Co-founder of Elite Crew International in 1998, he now works behind the scenes in operations and computer development. Bob has over 21 years experience as a yacht Captain.
Cory Howard
IT Managed Services Provider | cory@dynamicsupport.com
Cory has provided IT support and consulting for Elite Crew International since 2010 on behalf of Dynamic Network Support (ECI’s IT Managed Services provider). He has been an ‘IT Guy’ for over 10 years both for the Army and in the civilian world. He is highly certified and has a wide range of IT skills encompassing all of ECI’s needs and more.
Bill Jackson
Senior Accountant
Bill is highly experienced with more than 40 years as a public accountant. ECI has been fortunate to have Bill handling the accounting since 1998.