Her Story
About Lidia
Lidia Contu is a seasoned marine industry sales executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning sales, procurement, supply management, cross-cultural communications, and international project management. She currently serves as Sales Director at Koja Marine USA, where she focuses on sales growth and business development for marine products, services, and solutions. Her expertise encompasses marine automation, HVAC and refrigeration, energy efficiency, fuel-saving technologies, and lifecycle project management across cruise, merchant, offshore, and naval markets. She has also held senior commercial and sales roles with Viking Life-Saving Equipment, Johnson Controls, and Trane Technologies, building extensive experience serving complex international marine markets.
Contu began her career in the marine industry in 2003 and developed her expertise through roles involving manufacturers, vendors, supply management, and major marine projects. Her professional background includes responsibility for new business development, account management, budgeting and forecasting, vendor management, and international sales. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University, with a major in International Business and a minor in Marketing, and earned the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) credential through the Institute for Supply Management. She is also a member of ISM. Her career has been shaped by continuous learning and the ability to adapt within a technically complex and historically male-dominated industry.
Throughout her career, Contu has emphasized learning from others, remaining adaptable, developing genuine passion for her work, and approaching professional challenges with resilience. She credits her mother, who raised two children as a single parent in Romania under difficult circumstances, as a major influence on her determination and outlook. Her professional philosophy centers on staying curious, paying attention, learning from people at every level, and bringing an open mind and open heart to the workplace. Today, she continues to apply these principles to marine sales, business development, energy-efficiency initiatives, and international customer relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lidia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the strength and resilience of my mother. She was a single mother raising two children in Romania during a time when resources were limited. Growing up in that environment, I witnessed firsthand her determination, strength, and ability to persevere despite difficult circumstances. Those qualities have strongly influenced the person and professional I have become, and I try to pass those same values of resilience and perseverance on to my daughter and son.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Look around you. All the information you need is there. Treat people with respect at all levels. Basically treat people how you want to be treated. Honesty goes a long way. A no is a no now but not forever. Keep going. Learn. Teach. Listen.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to learn your profession thoroughly, pay attention, and remain open to learning from everyone around you, regardless of their position or level of experience. Anyone can teach you something valuable if you approach them with an open mind and an open heart. It is also important to genuinely love what you do. If you do not have passion for your work, you should reconsider whether it is the right career for you. The marine industry has traditionally been male-dominated, so adaptability is essential. Be willing to learn, adjust, and grow while remaining confident in your abilities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The marine industry faces major pressures from geopolitical conflicts, strict environmental rules and workforce shortages
Major opportunities in the marine industry span sustainable shipping, offshore renewable energy, port logistics, and specialized marine trades.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
While I did not provide a direct response to this question, the experiences and advice I have shared reflect the importance I place on resilience, continuous learning, adaptability, openness, perseverance, and passion for one's work.
I believe respect, honesty and work ethics are very important. Anyone can teach you something so make sure you always listen. Listening is a very important skill everyone should master. In my personal life I would say I never gave up. Trust in yourself. You can be anyone you want to be as long as you believe.
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