New CEO at Baltic Yachts
Finnish sailing yacht builder Baltic Yachts has appointed a new CEO, Tom von Bonsdorff, who joined the company on 5 February 2024.
“Following our highly successful 50th anniversary year and the launch of a number of yachts in 2023, including the revolutionary 34m foil-assisted superyacht Raven, we are delighted Tom is joining Baltic Yachts to steer us through our next wave of innovation as the company continues to lead the world in advanced composite superyacht design and construction,” says executive vice president Henry Hawkins.
The arrival of Von Bonsdorff, 53, as Baltic Yachts’ CEO coincides with the opening of the new extension of Baltic Yachts’ Jakobstad facility, which brings the entire yacht building operation under one roof.
Von Bonsdorff (pictured top) has a successful background in management for Swedish automotive giant Volvo and, more recently, for Kesko, where he led the roll-out of Finland’s leading electric vehicle charging network.
“Baltic has an enviable worldwide reputation for innovation and success in one of the most demanding sectors of the marine industry, and I am delighted to be able to bring my experience in global sales, service and manufacturing to strengthen the company’s efforts in everything they do,” he says.
Baltic Yachts’ owner, Professor Hans Georg Näder, adds: “Having someone of Tom’s calibre and worldwide industry knowledge will bring many benefits to Baltic, which continues to innovate to bring the ground-breaking visions of our clients to fruition.”
Five skilled boat builders set up Baltic Yachts in 1973 with a clear objective to build better yachts –lighter yachts, stiffer yachts, faster yachts.
It is located in the municipality of Larsmo in Finland, where it is the largest employer. The shipyard now produces sailing yachts between 50ft and 197ft in length.
Foling superyacht
In September 2023, Baltic Yachts launched the 34m foil-assisted superyacht Raven. The yacht’s overall concept, including the interior and exterior styling is by Finn Jarkko Jämsén. Jämsén’s disruptive thinking in superyacht design matched the owner’s desire for a stylish, quick, day-sailer superyacht with the ability to undertake high-speed offshore passages. Naval architecture is by Botin Partners and structural engineering by Pure Design in New Zealand, both of which are at the leading edge of the latest America’s Cup foiling technology. Leading the Raven project is the highly experienced Garth Brewer of A2B Marine Projects.
Images courtesy of Baltic Yachts.
