Navigate the Casper Group

Executive Board

As the UK’s leading independent maritime services company, our highly experienced leadership team provides time served knowledge and practical expertise to meet a diverse sector.

Michael Shakesheff

Group Managing Director

Providing tactical leadership to the Casper Group, Michael is a knowledgable and highly capable senior shipping executive, with close to 20 years’ of professional and industry experience.

Alan Appleyard

Group Operations Director

Joining Casper Shipping in 2007, Alan is now at the forefront of the Casper Group’s digitalisation and automation, working with systems and procedures to improve efficiency and operational excellence.

Mike Sharp

Group Finance Director

Arriving at Casper in 2021, Mike is a knowledgeable finance director with over 30 years’ experience working for all manner of corporate entities, from sole director to multinationals.

Rob Bateman

Managing Director, Casper Shipping

Starting his career as a boarding agent on the River Tees over three decades ago, Rob has close to 35 years industry experience, and has been the main point of contact for Casper Port Agency for over 15 years.

Nikki Sayer

Director, Casper Shipping

With over 30 years' experience, Nikki leads the Customs division of Casper Shipping, coordinating import and export declarations as well as ENS clearances. She is also the first female chair of the ICS North East.

Diane Irving

Managing Director, Casper Logistics

Devoting the past 18 years to building a thriving business, Diane continues to propel Casper Logistics to new horizons, not only as an award-winning freight forwarder but also as a trusted customs broker.

Pete Buffam

Managing Director, Casper Chartering

Joining Casper Shipping in 2015 before co-founding Casper Chartering a year later, Pete has full responsibility for the strategic direction of the business including negotiations, approval, finalisation and execution of fixtures.

Mark Harrison

MD, HC Shipping & Chartering

Co-founding HC Shipping & Chartering in 1997, Mark is a highly experienced broker and former Chair of the ICS Humber. For the last 25 years, he's been the company's driving force, overseeing consistent growth and its acquisition by Casper.