Team Spotlight, Pierre Thomas
From the French Mediterranean coast to the Pacific and now to shipyards in the Caribbean, Pierre Thomas has followed a career path deeply rooted in the sea. Now based in Puerto Rico as IMM’s Group Technical Director, Pierre brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, expertise and passion to the company’s most ambitious projects.
A Global Journey in Marine Engineering
Pierre began his career as a certified unlimited officer of the French Merchant Marine, graduating from ENSM (formerly ENMM) in Marseille, France. Pierre sailed extensively and worked for the cruise line Compagnie du Ponant before transitioning ashore. His onshore journey included roles as superintendent at Codenor, project manager for superyacht owners in La Rochelle, and technical director of a shipyard in New Caledonia.
After the shipyard’s closure and a political shift in the region, Pierre moved to French Guyana, where he managed a hydrogen plant project at the space center before returning to his maritime roots with IMM. A job posting on LinkedIn brought him to IMM in Guadeloupe as the site technical director. After 7 months there, due to the Company’s growing expansion, Pierre transferred to IMM Sint Maarten and took on the role as General Manager of FKG Marine Rigging & Fabrication, IMM’s sister company, while also managing the start-up operations of IMM Sint Maarten. From that position, Pierre was named the Technical Director of the IMM Group (including IMM St. Maarten, IMM Guadeloupe, IMM Puerto Rico, FKG and Dockside Management), and then made a move to IMM Puerto Rico, where Pierre remains.
Pierre’s journey, while impressive, does not reveal the true extent of his knowledge and skill. Pierre grew up in a shipyard, and his technical skills are both broad and deep. Capable of creating electric drawings and troubleshooting the most complicated hydraulic or PLC issues, Pierre is one of those rare people who is equally skilled in his coveralls getting his hands dirty, sorting issues that seemed unsolvable, as he is sitting behind a desk calculating loads.
Talking about what brough him to join the company, Pierre states:
“When I joined IMM, I was drawn not just by the role, but by the energy of the team and the scope of the projects. It felt like the right place to bring all my past experiences together.”
Technical Leadership
As Group Technical Director, Pierre wears many hats. His day-to-day ranges from detailed engineering calculations and technical drawings to overseeing complex propulsion system operations and metalwork on-site. Whether in the planning phase or on the dock, Pierre is deeply involved in IMM’s most technical and specialized tasks.
“Here in Puerto Rico, I personally handle all special operations. Any time we have something particularly challenging—mechanical systems, structural fabrication—I’m there to lead the process.”
In addition to supervising Puerto Rico’s operations, Pierre provides technical guidance for all sites as well as FKG, being integral in finding and implementing solutions, as well as hiring for the Company’s future excellence and development.
The Dry Dock: IMM Puerto Rico
Pierre doesn’t hesitate when asked about the most rewarding project of his career: IMM’s shipyard development in Puerto Rico.
“This project is without a doubt the most exciting I have been a part of to date. I was there when we repaired the massive gravity dock door, and I’ve been hands-on every day since. There’s progress every single week, and with that, new challenges. It’s technically demanding but incredibly fulfilling. I continue to believe this ambitious project will be a game changer for naval repair through the Caribbean and US East Coast.”
What Sets IMM Apart?
Having worked across continents and industries, Pierre identifies two defining qualities that make IMM unique: passion and teamwork.
“What really stands out here is that almost everyone comes from a maritime background. There’s a shared love for the sea, for vessels, for craftsmanship. And we work like a family. That kind of dynamic is rare—and powerful.”
He also highlights the strength of the IMM Group structure, combining the family companies, rigging and fabrication with superyacht agency and project management across the Caribbean.
“We’re able to offer a complete service package to superyachts. Few companies can do that as seamlessly.”
Advice to Future Marine Engineers
For young professionals aspiring to enter the marine technical world, Pierre’s advice is clear:
“Get experience at sea before jumping into project management or technical work. Understanding the reality of yacht operations is essential. Once you’ve lived it, the rest makes much more sense.”
Life Beyond the Shipyard
Outside of work, Pierre keeps things grounded. He’s a dedicated family man, spending his free time with his partner and young son. Recently settling in Puerto Rico, he plans to stay long-term.
“Puerto Rico has everything. Great lifestyle, beautiful weather, and the opportunity to be part of something that’s growing from the ground up.”