Jean-Michel Beron, Senior Project Manager at IMM
Jean-Michel Beron, Senior Project Manager at IMM
At the core of IMM’s success is a team of highly experienced professionals committed to delivering excellence. Among them, Jean-Michel Beron plays a pivotal role. With more than three decades in the yachting industry, he brings together technical know-how, sailing experience, and the ability to manage complex projects, a winning combination for IMM’s clients.
A Career Built on Experience
Originally from Brittany, France, Jean-Michel’s passion for sailing led him naturally into the yachting world. After completing engineering studies, he joined the renowned yacht design and engineering firm Butch Design in La Ciotat, where he worked on complex yacht projects and developed a strong technical foundation.
His first collaboration with Fabrice Maitre, founder of IMM, came during the well know M/Y Octopus refit, marking the beginning of Jean-Michel’s long-standing relationship with IMM. Soon after, Jean-Michel joined IMM full-time and became instrumental in the company’s early development.
Over the years, he has contributed to projects across France, Brazil, Florida, and the Caribbean, balancing on-site technical supervision with project planning.
Expanding IMM Across the Caribbean
Jean-Michel began by managing refits in Toulon, Marseille, and La Ciotat before relocating to Guadeloupe to help establish IMM’s first shipyard. As operations expanded, he took on the challenge of helping IMM develop in Puerto Rico, overseeing not only active refit projects, but also broader site development and site planning.
Today, Jean-Michel works between Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, and St. Maarten, supporting IMM to deliver results to its clients. His in-depth understanding of yacht refit makes him a key driver in ensuring that each location meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
Commitment to Excellence
For Jean-Michel, excellence is not optional, it is fundamental.
“We operate with the same spirit IMM was founded on: complete dedication and service. Across different shipyards, it is rare to find a company that delivers on time and on budget. At IMM, we serve the yacht, the owner, and the owner’s representative with 100% commitment. Achieving the last 5% is always the hardest—and the final 3% even more so—but we make sure everything is delivered to perfection, whatever it takes.”
This mindset reflects IMM’s culture: service, excellence, and an unwavering focus on great results.
Lessons Learned & Advice for the Next Generation
From early projects in France to launching operations in the Caribbean, Jean-Michel’s career has been defined by adaptability and resilience. To help develop new sites in the Caribbean strengthened his ability to balance technical expertise with organizational project management and client communication.
For young professionals entering the marine industry, his advice is clear:
“Be hands-on, stay curious, and never compromise on quality. Engage fully in every project and always be willing to go the extra mile.”
Life Beyond the Shipyard
Outside of work, Jean-Michel enjoys staying active with golf, Padel, and Pickleball—sports that help him recharge and maintain balance. With courts conveniently located near IMM’s facilities, Jean-Michel makes the most of his surroundings while staying energized for the demands of his role.
Driving IMM Forward
With extensive international experience, strong technical expertise, and a deep commitment to excellence, Jean-Michel Beron continues to be a driving force behind IMM’s success. His work reflects the company’s mission: to provide top-notch technical services—delivering excellence for every yacht, every client, every time.
M/Y Eau La La Completes Technical Refit in Guadeloupe
We recently completed several weeks of scheduled maintenance for M/Y Eau La La at our IMM Guadeloupe shipyard. The work list required multiple trades and highlighted the strength of our multidisciplinary teams.
Alongside Operations: Interior & Mechanical Works
During the first phase, while the yacht was alongside the quay, our teams carried out detailed joinery and metalwork within guest areas, requiring both structural precision and high-end finishing. At the same time, the team worked on a small section of the teak decks located on the yacht’s aft beach area. A few slats had come loose and detached. They were restored and rebounded with an improved bonding process to ensure a stronger and longer-lasting adhesion.
At the same time, essential mechanical servicing was performed. Engines and generators received scheduled maintenance, and a complete thickness-measurement survey was conducted inside the engine room to assess structural integrity.
Floating Dock Phase: Structural & Underwater Works
Following completion of the alongside works, the yacht was transferred to our floating dock for more extensive structural repairs.
Our composite specialists undertook major repairs to the stabilizer fin and reconstructed a roll-damping keel that had been torn off. These composite repairs required expertise and skill to ensure the necessary structural reinforcement while also delivering yachting standard finish.
The hull team simultaneously carried out a full cleaning and preparation of the underwater area, applied fresh antifouling, and treated all propulsion components with Propspeed.
Finishing Touches
In the forward section, our welding team straightened and re-welded the bow protection plates before completing a mirror-polished finish to restore the original shine, combining functionality with refined aesthetics.
A Coordinated Technical Stop
IMM, through its internal technical expertise, handled the full scope of works for M/Y Eau La La: mechanical, composite works, teak and joinery and metalworks. Careful planning and cross-department coordination ensured that the project progressed efficiently and was completed to the highest standards.
Another successful refit delivered in Guadeloupe, highlighting once again our ability to deliver the highest quality on budget. And do not take our word for it…
Let’s see what the Captain has to say about the experience:
“As captain of Eau La La, a 37XP, I want to express how impressed I was with our recent experience at IMM Guadeloupe shipyard. Arnaud leads a team of highly skilled professionals who approach every task with remarkable efficiency and dedication. When we hauled out for service, we encountered an unexpected issue-something that would have easily stretched into a month-long ordeal at many South Florida yards. Here, however, the process was refreshingly direct-no unnecessary layers of management to complicate matters or slow down progress.
Arnaud and their team resolved everything within just ten days. Their hands-on approach meant that every aspect of the project was handled seamlessly, without delays or waiting for various teams to coordinate. The work was completed on schedule and remained within the agreed budget. It’s rare to see such reliability and commitment to quality.
Based on this experience, I am pleased to recommend IMM Guadeloupe to the yachting community as an outstanding choice for hull maintenance or repairs in the Caribbean.
Best regards,
Captain Guy McClave
MY Eau La La”