CLASS ROUNDTABLE THE EVOLUTION OF CLASSThe ContributorsJames Watson, ABS Philippe Donche-Gay, BVJames Watson is currently serving as President and COO for the Philippe Donche-Gay holds an Engineering Degree from the Ecole Americas Division of ABS. He is responsible for all operations Polytechnique (France) and Masters of Science from Stanford Uni-of the American Bureau of Shipping in the Western Hemisphere. versity (California, USA). He joined Bureau Veritas in 2008 as Prior to joining ABS, Watson served as Director of the Bureau of Executive Vice President in charge of the Industry and Facilities Safety and Environmental Enforcement at the US Department of Division. As of November 1, 2012, he was appointed Executive Interior. Vice President in charge of the Marine and Offshore Division, ad-dressing both industry segments.Paal Johansen, DNV GL – MaritimePaal Johansen heads up the joint maritime operations in North Noboru Ueda, ClassNKand South America. His previous position was Director of Renew- Noboru Ueda is the Chairman and President of ClassNK, with 45 able Energy in DNV North America. Throughout his 32 years in years experience in ship classi