Zoe Upson

Founder FACT Talent & WOMEN TOGETHER

Zoe Upson is a senior leader and one of the most recognised women in global shipping and commodities. With over 16 years of industry experience she is known for delivering high impact contributions across freight, energy, agriculture and metals and was recently ranked #1 in the Top 100 Women in Shipping, Top 20 under 40 in shipping and named SHEO Maritime Entrepreneur of the Year. She has a reach of nearly 30,000 followers on LinkedIn.

A former Tanker FFA broker Zoe led high performing derivatives desks and worked closely with hedge funds, trading houses and C suite clients. She founded FACT Talent, a global executive search firm trusted by leading organisations across shipping and commodities.

Zoe also founded WOMEN TOGETHER, a 1,800+ member network advancing women in male dominated sectors and she is a regular speaker and contributor helping to shape the future of the industry.

2026 Event Agenda Sessions

Learn what it's like to choose a career at sea from an experienced industry leader. She will present the pros and cons to give women a realistic assessment and help decide if this is the career for them.

Tuesday 16 June 13:00 - 13:45

Add to calendar 06/16/2026 13:00 06/16/2026 13:45 Learn what it's like to choose a career at sea from an experienced industry leader. She will present the pros and cons to give women a realistic assessment and help decide if this is the career for them.

Europe/London

The Talent Challenge: Skills, Careers and the Next Generation

As the industry faces a growing talent gap, this session brings together the next generation of professionals to share their perspectives on careers, skills and the future of breakbulk. From career pathways and workplace expectations to how the industry must modernise its image, the discussion explores what needs to change to attract and retain talent in an evolving, technology-driven environment.

Wednesday 17 June 15:50 - 16:30 Breakbulk Live Stage