We are sorry to report the passing of Steve Parks

Steve’s career began with Beckenham-based Aylward Publishing and was quickly followed by a move to Seven Kings Publications where he spent five years selling advertising on the iconic Shipping World & Shipbuilder brand.

Steve joined maritime media agency JLA in 2003 as senior media consultant before being recruited by Riviera in 2007 as sales and development director. He spent the next seven years spearheading the company’s growth adding new publications to the stable, developing an events portfolio, and helping open Riviera’s office in Singapore.

In 2014 Steve branched out on his own establishing maritime and offshore media agency Wake Media. The company quickly grew, attracting an enviable rostrum of clients and in April concluded a strategic partnership with one of the UK’s largest business-to-business communications agencies, Bray Leino.

Steve combined his outstanding sales acumen with intelligence and supreme confidence. A larger-than-life character he was comfortable in any social circle and was incredibly proud and close to his South London roots.

Alongside the maritime industry, his biggest passions were family and football. He enjoyed a close bond with his parents and his father would often attend Riviera marine engineering conferences and radiate with pride. Steve also derived huge satisfaction from his three son’s achievements and shared with them an intense commitment to both the game and his beloved Chelsea.

We remember Steve as a respected and valued colleague and friend. A passionate man with a ready - and often off-colour - anecdote for any and every occasion. A fantastic man to have in your corner.

Steve will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.