Leadership
PAUL DERECKTOR
Paul has been apprenticed in every trade involved in the construction and repair of wood, aluminum, steel and fiberglass vessels. He has extensive experience in boat design and boat building, as well as fabrication methods and curing techniques.
Paul was instrumental in the design and development of lighter, stiffer hull construction – development that went into the design of racing sailboats such as BOOMERANG, a maxi-racer with unprecedented winnings, and STARS AND STRIPES, the 12-meter winner of the 1987 America’s Cup race.
He has managed projects from patrol boats to large commercial vessels and yachts. He was a founding partner of New York Fast Ferries, enabling Derecktor Shipyards to build their first two high-speed catamaran ferries, laying the groundwork for developing Derecktor’s strong presence in the fast ferry market.
His attention to yard operations, emphasis on loyalty to his employees and continual improvement in the utilization of technology has positioned Derecktor Shipyards for growth.
JOHN KOENIG
John Koenig serves as Derecktor Shipyards Chief Marketing and Sales Officer and brings extensive experience in both the maritime industry and the communications field to the role.
Currently a partner in Derecktor Robinhood, a preeminent destination marina and boatyard on the Maine coast, he previously was owner of a marina, boatyard and restaurant complex in Sandy Hook NJ. He was co-founder and President of New York Fast Ferry Services, a pioneering high-speed commuter ferry operator in New York harbor. He has been professionally involved in a wide variety of aspects of the marine industry ranging from yacht marketing to commercial vessel construction to marina acquisition and management.
John was a recipient of a “Hero of the Harbor” award as a result of New York Fast Ferry’s role in evacuating passengers from Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks.
Prior to his work in the maritime world, he was a Creative Director at Ogilvy and Mather, a leading international advertising agency where he was responsible for creating campaigns for clients such as Cessna Aircraft and Waste Management.
John is a graduate of Northwestern University. He lives on a small farm in central NJ along with his wife and an ever-fluctuating number of animals.
PETER SMYKOWSKI
Peter was named Chief Financial Officer of Derecktor Holdings in 2016. He has full responsibility for financial, accounting and administrative functions of Derecktor Holdings which includes Robert E. Derecktor, Inc, Derecktor Florida, 229 Union Avenue Corp, and Derecktor Maine. Prior to working at Derecktor, he worked at Saati Americas where he was the Chief Financial Officer for twelve years reporting to the CEO and Owner.
He was a member of the executive management team of a $40 million division of a multinational company that develops, manufactures and sells precision technical fabrics and chemicals. He was responsible for all financial and accounting functions of the U.S. division. He directed 12 managers with 100 indirect and dotted line reports. In addition, orchestrated a $15,000,000 capital project search for a new manufacturing location and subsequent relocation of existing Midwest site to South Carolina.
Peter previously worked for Majestech Corporation as the Controller where he directed all accounting activities including managing an internal team of direct reports in addition to external accountants. His tasks included financial statement preparation, monthly close, development and documentation of accounting policies and controls, credit, audits, and general ledger transactions.
ROBERT MAC KEEN
Boat focused since birth, Robert’s experience in the marine industry spans nearly three decades and includes time at Apex Marine, Jones Boat Yard and Bahamas Marine International.
Specializing in shipyard operations, Robert is responsible for overseeing the development of Derecktor Ft. Pierce, Derecktor’s newest refit facility. Built specifically to accommodate the global fleet of megayachts and large sailing yachts, Derecktor Ft. Pierce aims to deliver the same superior craftsmanship and customer service Derecktor clients have come to expect.
