Global Seas Team

Bob Desautel


Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer

Bob Desautel is co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Seas and Nina Fisheries, Inc. In 1994, he co-founded Nina Fisheries, which rapidly expanded globally to Chile and Argentina four years later. In 2001, Desautel co-founded Global Seas, a subsidiary of Nina Fisheries, which quickly became one of the West Coast’s premier vessel management companies. Under Desautel’s direction, Global Seas expanded its business operations on the East Coast as co-owner of the seafood processing company Norpel and into the maritime research field as owner and operator of the R/V Mt. Mitchell.

In 1978, while studying business at the University of Nevada, Desautel began his career as a deckhand fishing in the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. Taking quickly to the industry and advancing to Captain in 1980, he went on to serve as Captain of various fishing vessels until 2002, when he retired from the ocean to focus solely on the expansion of Global Seas.

Since making the transition from the wheelhouse, Desautel has worked tirelessly at promoting Wild Alaska Pollock and educating the public about the benefits and attributes of the fish. Desautel was instrumental in the re-formation of the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP 2.0) and now serves on the Board of Directors and Chairs the organization’s sustainability committee. As Chair, Desautel championed the industry’s first-ever Life Cycle Assessment to measure the fishery’s carbon footprint – bringing third-party scientific credibility to the notion that Wild Alaska Pollock has a lower environmental impact than practically any other protein source on the planet. Desautel is such an evangelist for the species that he has coined the phrase “Wild Alaska Pollock is good for you and good for the planet” and has served as a spokesperson for the fish and fishery—and its incredibly low carbon footprint—alongside GAPP CEO, appearing on Fox News, ABC News, and in multiple print publications including Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and Good News Network.

Desautel has served as President and Member of the Board of the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association, advocating safety education for the commercial fishing industry by providing information about USCG requirements, OSHA compliance standards, MARPOL, hands-on training programs, and safety seminars and workshops. In 1993, Desautel co-founded United Catcher Boats, served as a Member of the Board, and later as Vice President, all the while promoting the organization’s importance to the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and West Coast fisheries. His efforts serving on these Boards, as well as his involvement in other organizations, have improved safety and created efficiencies in the commercial fishing and maritime industries.

Bob resides and lives with his wife in Seattle, WA. Despite his dedication to growing Global Seas and his latest venture, Norpel, Bob continues to keep his United States Coast Guard (issue no.7) Masters 3000 ITC License current.

Walter Kuhr Jr.


Vice President

Mr. Kuhr is a founder and Vice President of Global Seas LLC. He started fishing in 1977 and spent 24 years fishing in the Bering Sea. He captained his first fishing boat at the age of 19 and earned his USCG Captains License at the age of 24.

Mr. Kuhr is currently heading our South America Trawling and Crabbing Venture and Scalloping Project. He is also developing deep water King Crab Fishing in South America and Tree Farms for pulp use in Chile.

Jonathan “Jeb” D.X. Towne


Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jeb started with Global Seas in 2008 and is responsible for managing the accounting and finance functions within the company.  The day to day accounting operations include executive reporting, managing external audits, cash flow forecasting and budgeting as well as tax reporting.  On the finance side, Jeb provides investment analysis and due diligence for new and existing investments as the company continues to grow and build its portfolio.

Philip Powell


 General Counsel

Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, graduating cum laude at Virginia Commonwealth University.  After completing his undergraduate degree, Phil enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  As a reservist, he attended the North Carolina Central University’s School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate with the school’s highest honors, summa cum laude.  Phil then earned his Legum Magister (LL.M.) in Admiralty and Maritime law at Tulane University’s School of Law. Phil came aboard as Global Seas, LLC’s In-House Counsel in January of 2016.  At Global Seas, LLC Phil is responsible for handling the company’s maritime and shore-side legal needs.

Bill Franks


Director of Marketing and Business Development

Bill has an extensive background in the marine and hospitality industries. Global Seas represents, manages, charters, and operates entities and activities ranging from fishing, research and commercial vessels on the West and East coasts, to the harvesting, processing and marketing of seafood from the Eastern Seaboard to Alaska and in South America. He will continue the development of the Global Seas brand and presence in the maritime marketplace.

Whether the need for ships in maritime research or commercial vessels within private industry, government agencies or academic institutions; please contact Bill directly at (206) 770-7801, extension 107 for further information.

Joe Oliver


V. P.  Alaska Operations

Joe joined with Global Seas in 2013 to assist the Operations Manager and Port Engineer as workloads increased with a growing fleet. He is involved in many aspects of our operation including assisting with HR, Logistics, Purchasing, Shipyard planning, Safety, and Regulations.

Joe grew up around the fishing gear side of the industry. He worked throughout his college years for a net and gear manufacturer in the Seattle area and after a short hiatus returned to work with a ground fish catcher processor. There he performed purchasing and port operations duties traveling to Dutch Harbor for every offload to ensure a smooth and efficient turnaround for the vessel and crew.

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Traci Adams


Office Manager

Traci has been with Global Seas for over eighteen years as the Office Manager. Primarily managing the day-to-day operations of the company, the Admiral’s House grounds, as well as Human Resources for all of our employees and vessel crew.

Kathy Shepard


Chief Accounting Officer

Kathy has over 30 years experience in bookkeeping and accounting. She has worked with Bob and Walter since 1986 and has worked for various fishing companies since 1979. She was active in the NW Woman’s Fisheries Association and held several board positions. Kathy was also Treasurer for a non-profit Co-op of seven years. She loves the commercial fishing and maritime industry because the people are unique and dynamic and there are many opportunities to excel.

Lil Kuhr


Purchasing and Logistics Manager

Lil has been working with Bob and Walter since 1986. She currently is in charge of ordering parts, purchase orders, payables, and vendor correspondence. She has attended several NPFVOA seminars and has a degree in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

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