PADI Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

PADI has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial operations, regional market expansion, and organizational leadership.

Committed to global ocean conservation and diver education, PADI empowers individuals to explore the underwater world through rigorous training standards and community-driven initiatives that protect marine ecosystems worldwide.

Leadership Roles at PADI

  • Chief Financial Officer - Gary Prenovost
  • President, Greater (China) - Yan Lou
  • President - Hamidreza Sayah
  • Managing Director - Mostafa Lotfi
  • Gary Prenovost - Chief Financial Officer

    Gary Prenovost, the Chief Financial Officer at PADI, manages the fiscal health and economic strategy of the organization. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments support the expansion of scuba diving courses and ocean conservation programs. Prenovost monitors global revenue streams, providing the necessary financial oversight to maintain the organization's market-leading position in diver training. By analyzing market trends and operational costs, Gary Prenovost optimizes the financial framework required to support a worldwide membership program. This role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate the viability of new dive travel planning services and educational initiatives. Through rigorous financial discipline and strategic forecasting, Prenovost strengthens the economic foundation of the company, enabling continued investment in the tools and community support systems that connect divers with the underwater environment.

    Yan Lou - President, Greater (China)

    Yan Lou, the President, Greater (China) at PADI, directs all business activities and market development initiatives within the critical East Asian region. Overseeing the implementation of standardized scuba diving courses, the President, Greater (China) ensures that local training centers adhere to the rigorous safety and educational protocols established by the organization. Lou drives regional growth by tailoring marketing strategies to the specific needs of aspiring divers and experienced professionals in the area. By fostering partnerships with local dive operators and conservation groups, Yan Lou expands the reach of the organization's marine protection efforts. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and adapting global services to local market nuances. Through the successful execution of regional expansion plans, Lou increases the number of certified divers and strengthens the community presence of the organization across the Greater China market.

    Hamidreza Sayah - President

    Hamidreza Sayah, the President at PADI, executes the core operational objectives and organizational policies that define the world's leading scuba diver training entity. Overseeing the integration of educational services and membership resources, the President ensures that the organization delivers consistent value to divers of all levels. Sayah drives the development of new training methodologies and digital tools that enhance the learning experience for students globally. By coordinating with departmental heads, Hamidreza Sayah aligns internal processes with the broader mission of promoting ocean conservation and underwater exploration. This leadership role involves managing the day-to-day execution of corporate strategy and ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of the global diving community. Through the application of operational expertise, Sayah maintains the high standards of excellence that characterize the organization's reputation in the scuba diving industry.

    Mostafa Lotfi - Managing Director

    Mostafa Lotfi, the Managing Director at PADI, directs the overarching strategic vision for the world's leading scuba diver training organization. Overseeing global operations, the Managing Director ensures that all training programs and certification standards maintain the highest levels of safety and educational excellence. Lotfi coordinates with regional leadership to expand the reach of scuba diving courses, fostering growth across diverse international markets. By aligning organizational goals with marine conservation initiatives, Mostafa Lotfi drives the mission to inspire individuals to protect the underwater world. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and optimizing the delivery of resources to a vast network of dive professionals. Through consistent focus on operational efficiency and market penetration, Lotfi secures the long-term sustainability of the organization while promoting the accessibility of diving education for enthusiasts at every skill level.

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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 Yan Lou (President, Greater (China)) and Hamidreza Sayah (President).
    Who is part of PADI’s executive team?
    The executive team of PADI includes leaders such as Gary Prenovost (Chief Financial Officer), Yan Lou (President, Greater (China)), Hamidreza Sayah (President) 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, Greater (China), President, Managing Director.