Geert Pepping (1944-2026) was a maritime entrepreneur with deep roots in the shipping industry. At Seatrade, a global leader in refrigerated shipping, he played a key role in expanding the company's fleet and developing more efficient ship designs. His entrepreneurial drive shaped strategic decisions on vessel acquisitions, sales, and the company's move into container shipping. His focus on innovation, efficiency, and long-term growth left a lasting mark on the company and the maritime industry.
Having successfully transitioned Seatrade to the next generation of leadership, Geert brought that same deep expertise in succession planning and business continuity to AIA as a founding investor. He helped shape our platform's approach to preserving the legacies of retiring entrepreneurs and ensuring SMEs across Europe thrive under new ownership.
His vision – to empower the next generation to drive sustainable growth in their communities – remains at the heart of AIA's mission. His family remains fully committed to AIA as investors, carrying forward Geert's belief in entrepreneurial succession and the mission he helped build.
