Our Team

Knowledgeable in a range of disciplines, including professional marine engineering, naval architecture, marine law, marine surveying and marine operations, the Leeway team offers a powerful combination of innovation and execution on any project.

Management Team

Jamie Sangster

P.Eng, MSc, CD

Chief Executive Officer

Jamie is the founder of Leeway Marine. Prior to Leeway, Jamie served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 20 years as a marine systems engineering officer and naval architect, and has extensive sea experience aboard Canadian major warships. Jamie has spent his career on the operational waterfront and at sea in various technical and operational leadership roles. These positions include engineering officer aboard a Canadian patrol frigate in domestic and international operations, east coast fleet maintenance manager, east coast fleet senior naval architect, technical director for a major submarine refit project, and detachment commander and technical lead for new ship construction at Irving Shipbuilding.

Jamie originates from Pictou Landing and holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Royal Military College as well as a master’s degree in naval architecture from the University of London UK.

Mark Decker

RSE, CSS, MCPM, CD

Chief Technical Officer

Mark retired from the Royal Canadian Navy after serving 23 years as a marine engineer and radiation safety specialist. The Newfoundland and Labrador native has extensive training in marine diesel engines and was awarded his marine diesel inspection qualification by the RCN. Mark’s expertise at sea and alongside ensured the correct operation of many systems, such as main engines, gearing, shafting, generators, hydraulics, air, lube oil, fuel and domestic water.

Mark earned his master’s certificate in project management from Saint Mary’s University and has achieved certifications as 3rd class power engineer, Red Seal (inter-provincial) industrial mechanic (millwright), and Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association supervisor.

Bill Boyle

RMC, CTP

Chief Financial Officer

After spending 7 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Bill left to begin a career in the financial services industry with a major Canadian bank. During his 14 year banking career Bill has been responsible for managing the treasury requirements of Commercial and Corporate bank clients across Atlantic Canada, with specific expertise in creating operational efficiencies and maximizing cash flow from operations.

Bill holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from the Royal Military College, and has a Certified Treasury Professional designation.

Bill Sanson

President

Bill Sanson brings extensive leadership and operational expertise to his role as President of Leeway Marine. A former Naval Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy, Bill has led high-performing teams and overseen complex vessel operations throughout his distinguished career. Known for his people-first leadership style and strategic vision, he plays a key role in driving Leeway’s growth, innovation, and global partnerships.

Greg Veinott

B.Mgmt

Chief Commercial Officer

A graduate from Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Management program and native Haligonian, Greg is an experienced marketing and operations professional who has worked in both the private and public sectors.

His previous roles have included business development, market research and branding for a high-growth tech startup in the agricultural sector, marketing in telecommunications, and marketing for foreign direct investment at the Nova Scotia provincial government.

At Leeway, Greg's role is focused on developing new markets and building strategic partnerships. He also manages and oversees Leeway's internal project management group.

Danny Rowe

Senior Ship Manager

Originally from Parsborro, NS, Danny grew up operating fishing vessels in the Bay of Fundy and was a ship carpenter’s assistant. He has over 3,000 operational sea days, both as a senior naval chief in the Royal Canadian Navy and a >60 ton qualified ship’s master. 

In his 35-year career with the navy, he served in various high profile seamanship and leadership roles and became renowned as one of the most competent and valued sailors in the fleet.  Danny was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in recognition for valour under duress after he single-handedly saved HMCS Athabaskan from running aground.

Danny brings a wealth of pragmatic seamanship experience and creative solutions to the Leeway team.

Roger Barakett

MBA, Btech, CET

Managing Director, Robotics

Roger brings over three decades of experience in naval architecture, shipbuilding, and fleet maintenance to his role at Leeway. He began his career in the private sector before joining the Naval Engineering Unit (Atlantic), part of the Royal Canadian Navy, in 1990. Over the next three decades, Roger held senior technical and leadership roles, including Maritime Command Docking Officer, Staff Officer Naval Architecture, and Production Manager at FMF Cape Scott. He also served as AOPS Detachment Commander, overseeing the successful delivery of three Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships. Prior to retirement in 2025, Roger worked in the Project Management Office for the River-class Destroyer program.

Roger holds a degree in Technology Management from Memorial University and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. At Leeway, he leads the development of robotics and autonomous systems, applying his deep expertise in naval engineering to support innovation in marine technologies.

Bob Jones

P.Eng, OMM, CD

Senior Program Engineer

Born in Sackville, New Brunswick, Robert (Bob) Jones joined Leeway Marine in June 2021. Prior employment in marine industry related roles included eight years with the Naval Engineering Test Establishment (NETE), from 2013 to 2021, and 17 months with Babcock Canada (November 2011 to March 2013). Both positions in industry were primarily focused on providing Engineering/Material Certification support to Canada’s VICTORIA Class Submarine capability.

Bob retired from the RCN in late 2011 after completing over 35 years of service. As a junior Marine Engineering officer, he experienced the Cold War transition of the Navy from steam propulsion/analog-based technologies to gas turbine/diesel propulsion/digital technologies. His last 10 years of RCN service was primarily focused on support to the material readiness/certification and/or operational tasking of HMC Ships and Submarines, holding appointments as DGMEPM/DMSS 4 (now DMEPM SM 4), MARLANT N37, CCFL/ FTO, and double “hatted” as FMFCS Engineering Manager/MARLANT Formation Technical Authority (FTA/N42).

Bob is a 1979 graduate of the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University), with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and a 1990 graduate of the Royal Naval Engineering College (Plymouth, Manadon), holding a Master of Science in Marine Engineering. He is also a 1995 graduate of the Canadian Forces College (CFC) Command and Staff Course.

Michelle Plamondon

BSc.Bio, OTAD, CMSM

Ship Manager/Ocean Technologist/HSE Coordinator

Michelle earned her Ocean Technology Advanced Diploma from Nova Scotia Community College and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Math from Mount Allison University. She is highly knowledgeable of the marine environment, coastal systems, and oceanography; and is experienced in mission planning, small vessel operations, mooring design, and the deployment and recovery of oceanographic equipment. Michelle’s role is in-part focused on the management of ocean technology equipment and data, as well as coordination and execution of small vessel operations.

Michelle has also recently received her Certificate in Maritime Safety Management and the ISM Code from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. Her strong work ethic, values and dedication continue to lend to the advancement of her role in the management and improvement of Leeway’s Health, Safety and Environment program.

Nik Karbowski

MRM

Senior Manager, Operations

Born and raised in Germany, Nik holds a BSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Bielefeld. Nik spent a couple of years in Iceland, graduating with a Masters of Resource Management (Coastal and Marine) from the University of Akureyri, where he focused on researching salmon aquaculture. Nik is extremely familiar with many aspects of the marine and ocean technology environment, primarily focusing on private marine vessel operation and accommodation, in his previous role with the Nova Scotia provincial government.

As part of the team, his role is focused on safe and efficient project delivery to our clients, including all operational aspects for vessels, crew and equipment.

Jamie Fitzgerald

Fleet Technical Manager

Jamie is an experienced Marine Engineer with 22 years of combined military and private sector service. Specializing in diesel engines, Jamie retired as a Chief Engineer in the Canadian Armed Forces with 20 years of service before transitioning for two years in a Senior Service Engineer role with a local marine diesel company. Throughout his career, he has played a crucial role in maintaining and optimizing marine vessel performance, demonstrating exceptional expertise in diesel engine mechanics, troubleshooting, and repair.

Marlon Regis

Bsc, PgDIP

Vessel Crew and Regulatory Compliance Officer

Marlon Regis is a seasoned maritime professional with over a decade of experience in vessel operations, crew logistics, and regulatory compliance across both domestic and international marine environments. In his current role at Leeway Marine, he leads the coordination of crewing strategies and compliance oversight, ensuring adherence to maritime regulations and standards while supporting safe and efficient vessel operations.

Marlon brings extensive expertise in implementing and auditing Safety Management Systems, conducting internal and external audits, and managing crew rotations, certifications, and international travel logistics. His background includes leadership positions in both shore-based and offshore roles with major operators, including Gulfmark Maritime, Mckeil Marine, and the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from South Carolina State University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Canadore College, Marlon is also certified in Maritime Cybersecurity, ISM/DPA, and Risk Assessment. He is driven by a commitment to operational excellence, crew welfare, and regulatory integrity.

Our team has combined at-sea and on-shore experience.