Jon is a graduate of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering in Bucharest, Romania, with a minor in Radionavigation. His Engineering Diploma is accredited by BCIT as equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor of Science. He is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Romanian. Outside of his professional work, he is an accomplished musician—playing accordion, guitar, and harmonica—and has held a judo black belt since 1983. He is also a certified Canadian judo coach.
Jon has been an active member of several professional and industry organizations for decades, including:
• ASBA (USA), since 2007
• BC Chamber of Shipping – Ships and Port Operations Committee, since 2008
• Vancouver Transportation Club – Member since 2006; Director (Special Events & Programs) 2007; Secretary Treasurer, 2nd VP, 1st VP (2008–2011); President (2011–2012); Scholarship Director (2012–2015, 2020); 2nd VP (2016–2017); President (2017–2018)
• Plimsoll Club, since 2009
• Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers – Member since 2011; promoted to Fellow in May 2013
• Judo Canada member since 2005
Jon’s professional journey spans over three decades across Europe and North America. He began his career in 1994 as a Trade Manager with Intersetraco Romania. In 1996, he joined Daewoo Electronics Romania as Logistic Manager, where he first learned the fundamentals of maritime logistics and container operations.
He transitioned to Sealand Romania in 1998 as a Customer Service Executive, followed by taking on the national sales role at Kühne & Nagel Romania in 1999. After nearly two years as National Sales Manager, he continued his maritime logistics career as Ocean Manager with SDV Romania.
In September 2003, Jon relocated with his family to Vancouver, Canada. There, he held roles with Kühne & Nagel Vancouver and later Panalpina Vancouver as Ocean Export Manager. He subsequently joined Karlo Corporation as a Ship Chandler, expanding his operational expertise.
Jon became Operations Supervisor at Norton Lilly International in February 2007 and later joined Inchcape Shipping in December 2011 as Port Manager. In December 2014, Jon founded GFY Marine Group Inc., becoming its Managing Director. Between 2017 and 2020, he also served as Senior Operations Manager Canada for Wilhelmsen Ship Service.
Most recently, from March 2021 to July 2023, Jon worked as Port Captain with Montship & Norton Lilly. Throughout all these roles, he remained consistently active as a shipbroker and shipping agent through his own company, GFY Marine Group, which he continues to lead today as CEO and Director.