PADI Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

PADI has 4 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and regional leadership.

Driven by a passion for the underwater world, PADI is dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals about marine conservation, offering comprehensive training and certification programs that connect divers globally.

Leadership Roles at PADI

  • Chief Financial Officer - Gary Prenovost
  • President - Hamidreza Sayah
  • President, Greater (China) - Yan Lou
  • Chief Operations Officer - Chad Kuehn
  • Gary Prenovost - Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Prenovost, the Chief Financial Officer at PADI, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Prenovost manages budgeting, financial planning, and risk management, ensuring the organization's financial health and sustainability. This leadership role involves optimizing resource allocation across PADI's global training and conservation initiatives. By analyzing financial data, Gary Prenovost drives informed decision-making to support PADI's mission of inspiring and educating individuals about the underwater world. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to investment strategies and maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions, crucial for funding PADI's expansive dive travel planning and ocean conservation programs.

    Hamidreza Sayah - President

    Hamidreza Sayah, the President at PADI, leads the strategic direction and overall growth of the organization. Sayah champions PADI's mission to inspire and educate individuals about the underwater world and promote marine conservation efforts globally. This executive position involves fostering innovation in diver training programs and expanding PADI's reach to new markets and demographics. Hamidreza Sayah guides the development of initiatives that enhance the diver experience, from advanced certifications to dive travel planning. The President's vision is instrumental in strengthening PADI's position as the premier authority in scuba education and community support.

    Yan Lou - President, Greater (China)

    Yan Lou, the President, Greater (China) at PADI, directs PADI's strategic initiatives and operational expansion within the significant Chinese market. Lou is responsible for tailoring PADI's comprehensive scuba diver training courses and certifications to meet the specific needs and preferences of divers in China. This leadership role involves cultivating strong relationships with local dive centers, instructors, and educational institutions to broaden PADI's influence. Yan Lou drives efforts to promote ocean conservation awareness and the benefits of dive travel planning throughout the region. The President, Greater (China)'s focus is on increasing PADI membership and enhancing the underwater education experience for a growing community of enthusiasts.

    Chad Kuehn - Chief Operations Officer

    Chad Kuehn, the Chief Operations Officer at PADI, oversees the execution of PADI's global operational strategies and service delivery. Kuehn manages the day-to-day functions critical to PADI's role as the world's leading scuba diver training organization, ensuring seamless delivery of courses and certifications. This involves optimizing processes for dive travel planning and membership program support. Chad Kuehn's operational leadership ensures that PADI's extensive network of instructors and dive centers worldwide adheres to the highest standards. By streamlining operational workflows, the Chief Operations Officer enhances efficiency and accessibility for aspiring and experienced divers, directly supporting PADI's commitment to ocean conservation and education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PADI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PADI?
    PADI is led by Gary Prenovost (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Hamidreza Sayah (President) and Yan Lou (President, Greater (China)).
    Who is part of PADI’s executive team?
    The executive team of PADI includes leaders such as Gary Prenovost (Chief Financial Officer), Hamidreza Sayah (President), Yan Lou (President, Greater (China)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PADI have?
    PADI has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PADI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PADI includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Greater (China), Chief Operations Officer.