PADI Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Dedicated to marine conservation and diver education, PADI empowers individuals to explore the underwater world through rigorous training standards and global community engagement.

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 global fiscal operations and long-term capital planning. Managing the financial health of the world's leading scuba diver training organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, risk management, and investment strategies that support international growth. Gary Prenovost ensures the alignment of fiscal resources with the mission of promoting marine conservation and expanding diver certification programs. By optimizing revenue streams across diverse global markets, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for continuous innovation in training technology. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to evaluate market opportunities and ensure sustainable profitability. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for ocean conservation initiatives and membership support services. Ultimately, Prenovost drives the economic framework that allows the organization to inspire millions of individuals to explore the underwater world safely and effectively.

    Hamidreza Sayah - President

    Hamidreza Sayah, the President at PADI, directs the overarching strategic vision and global mission of the world's leading scuba diver training organization. Overseeing the execution of corporate goals, the President ensures that all training programs and conservation initiatives align with the core objective of inspiring individuals to protect the underwater world. Hamidreza Sayah manages the relationships with key stakeholders and industry partners to expand the reach of certification services globally. By fostering a culture of excellence and environmental stewardship, the President drives the organization's impact on marine conservation efforts. This leadership role involves setting the long-term agenda for market growth and community engagement. Through the coordination of diverse departments, the President maintains the organization's position as the authority in scuba education. Ultimately, Sayah leads the strategic initiatives that empower divers of all levels to participate in the preservation and exploration of the global ocean.

    Yan Lou - President, Greater (China)

    Yan Lou, the President, Greater (China) at PADI, directs all business development and market expansion initiatives within the critical East Asian region. Overseeing the growth of scuba diver training programs and membership engagement, the President, Greater (China) ensures that the organization's educational standards meet the specific needs of the local market. Yan Lou manages regional partnerships and conservation outreach to promote the benefits of underwater exploration to a growing demographic of aspiring divers. By tailoring global strategies to the unique cultural and regulatory landscape of the region, the President, Greater (China) drives significant increases in certification volume and community participation. This leadership role involves close collaboration with global headquarters to ensure brand consistency while adapting services for local dive travel planning. Through the strategic management of regional operations, the President, Greater (China) secures the organization's influence in the rapidly evolving marine education sector across the territory.

    Chad Kuehn - Chief Operations Officer

    Chad Kuehn, the Chief Operations Officer at PADI, architects the internal processes and logistical frameworks that sustain the global scuba diver training network. Overseeing the delivery of certification courses and membership resources, the Chief Operations Officer ensures operational excellence across all training centers. Chad Kuehn manages the integration of digital platforms with physical dive travel planning services to enhance the user experience for aspiring and experienced divers. By streamlining supply chain logistics for training materials, the Chief Operations Officer maintains high standards of safety and education quality. This leadership role requires constant coordination with regional teams to ensure consistent service delivery in diverse international markets. Through the implementation of scalable operational systems, the Chief Operations Officer supports the organization's mission to educate the public about marine environments. Ultimately, Kuehn optimizes the infrastructure that connects divers with community support and essential resources for underwater exploration.

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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.