People
Brunswick | Mark Schwabero
Mark Schwabero, chairman and CEO of Brunswick Corporation in the US, retired at year’s end with the industry enjoying eight straight years of growth and Brunswick’s stock having recorded several 12-month highs.
Correct Craft | Bill Yeargin
The Correct Craft CEO on tariffs, going global and how to solve one of the industry’s most pressing challenges
Feadship | Tom de Vries
Feadship MD on the need to connect with a new generation
Rossetti Superyachts | Fulvio Dodich
Fulvio Dodich sets off on a new adventure in the boating world, this time as the chairman and partner of Rosetti Superyacht
Volvo Penta | Stefan Carlsson
Head of Marine Diesel | Volvo Penta
Azimut Yachts | Marco Valle
Marco Valle joined azimut yachts as a sales manager 22 years ago before rising through the ranks to become managing director in 2016. here he gives his unique insight into the market
Bavaria | Lutz Henkel
Renowned and respected, but unloved, Bavaria is undergoing a transformation. CEO Lutz Henkel reveals plans to build not just bigger boats, but to inject passion back into the brand
Fountaine Pajot | Nicolas Gardies
With growing profits, new products and huge industrial investments, Fountaine Pajot, France’s second-largest boatyard is capitalising on its achievements − notably with its trend-setting cruising catamarans.
Blue Gas Marine | Miguel Guerreiro
Miguel Guerreiro, president and CEO of Blue Gas Marine, tells IBI about the many benefits of using compressed natural gas as an alternative to gasoline and diesel in recreational boating
West Marine | Matt Hyde
As head of the world’s largest boating retail chain, Matt Hyde knows a thing or two about discretionary spending and the importance of getting youth on and around the water
Yanmar appoints global sales manager
Yanmar Marine International (YMI) has appointed Martijn Oggel as its global sales manager. Based at YMI Almere in the Netherlands, Oggel will implement the company’s strategic directives in alignment with local offices and key distributors. He will report directly to YMI director of sales and marketing Floris Lettinga.
Beneteau utilizes Paris Boat Show to recruit staff
Factory workers teamed up with HR to sell the benefits of working for the French builder
Executive appointments at KVH
Bruun, Woodhead assume expanded responsibilities at mobile connectivity and inertial navigation systems manufacturer
Retail executive to head up West Marine
America’s largest marine equipment retailer has gone outside of the boating industry to find its new CEO
Bryant Boats hires VP of sales and marketing
Robin Brendle has been hired as the new vice president of sales and marketing for Bryant Boats in the US. Brendle joins the company with more than 20 years in the marine industry, having held sales positions at Brunswick, Larson, Sea Ray and HCB.
Beneteau America appoints outboard sales manager
Beneteau America has named Don Smith as the group’s new outboard sales manager, succeeding David Aldrich in the role. Smith has over 30 years’ experience in sales management and retail dealership. For the last 10 years, he has worked for Regal, Hatteras and Bertram Yacht.
Future Fibres announces factory expansion and new GM
Composite rigging manufacturer Future Fibres has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 60,000sq ft factory space in Valencia, Spain that will become the company’s dedicated service and R&D centre.
Crestliner Boats appoints new president
A veteran of Brunswick Corporation’s Life Fitness division has been tapped to lead Crestliner Boats. Brittany Hizer was appointed president of Crestliner Boats on Tuesday, reporting to Brunswick’s Aluminum Fish Group president Dirk Hyde.
Thiébaut out, BRP Powersports restructures
Bertrand Thiébaut is out as head of the BRP Powersports Group and an “internal leadership restructuring” will have the company co-led by Sandy Scullion as Senior Vice President, Global Retail & Services and Thomas Uhr as Senior Vice President, Product Engineering and Manufacturing Operations.
Seakeeper names new CFO
US-based marine stabilisation specialist Seakeeper has promoted vice president of finance Rebecca Smitha to chief financial officer. In her new role, Smitha will focus more on strategy and overall goals, allowing her teams to run more of the day-to-day operations.
