Origin

The Zurich Shipping Network (ZSN) started its activities in 2015 and aims to serve the local shipping community in German speaking Switzerland. Gustav Ellingsen and Andy Boehm organized ZSN’s inaugural networking event in April 2015 with 7 shipping professionals showing up.

At the end of 2017, and after approximately 17 events, ZSN has become a stand-alone community consisting of over 300 individuals from Zurich, Zug and beyond. 

ZSN was incorporated in the summer of 2018 as a non-profit organization. A board of four members governs ZSN . 

Gustav Ellingsen – Chairman
Position: Chairman 



Gustav has worked in the shipping industry for over 10 years. Originally, from Norway he started working for Gearbulk in 2007 and moved with them to Switzerland in 2015. He is currently Head of Treasury and based in Pfäffikon, Sz. Gustav took the initiative to found the Shipping Professional Network in London in 2007 and remained chairman there until 2011.

Giovanna Montanaro

Position: Board Member



Giovanna has over 15 years of experience working as a lawyer and currently as Partner with Wartmann Merker in Zürich. She is specializing in all aspects of trade and transport law, including maritime and aviation law, as well as insurance law. Giovanna regularly assists clients in resolving domestic and multi-jurisdictional disputes and advises on contract drafting or regulatory issues in respect to international trade and insurance.

Ahmed Top Sakkal
Position: Board Member



Over 15 years of experience in commodities trading & shipping companies, focus on chartering of dry bulk carriers ranging from MPP to Supramax, new building, second hand sale and purchase, as well as demolition. Experienced in an array of dry commodities including aluminum, coal, industrial and building materials. Prior to his role in the commodity trading and shipping industry, he held various positions within the supply chain of leading companies in the sectors of Automotive, FMCG and Turnkey projects. Holding BBA, ICS in dry cargo chartering, and DAS in commodity trading. Speak 4 languages. 

Aurora Villacellino
Position: Secretary of the board

Aurora is an English shipping and trade lawyer. She is currently legal counsel at the Axpo group, the Swiss utility, focusing on growing their LNG (liquefied natural gas) business. Prior to her move to Switzerland, Aurora practiced as a solicitor in London, Paris and Singapore for 10 years, specialising in international trade, the carriage of goods by sea, marine insurance and admiralty law, mostly in dispute resolution (litigation, arbitration and mediation). In Switzerland she spent 2 years advising on asset finance transactions at Credit Suisse, before returning to commercial law at Axpo. Aurora is also a Singapore qualified advocate & solicitor, and a SMC accredited mediator.