Barrus appoints new area sales manager

Barrus has appointed Craig Gutteridge as area sales manager for the south of England for its marine leisure division.

Gutteridge has spent almost all his career in the marine industry working for Rutherford Marine, based in Johannesburg. Rutherford Marine is imports and distributes Mercury outboards and MerCruiser inboard engines. He held several sales, marketing, and managerial roles during his 12 years there, progressing to divisional director before emigrating to the UK with his family where he spent a short stint with Fischer Panda.

“My experience with Rutherford Marine has provided me with extensive commercial skills in sales and multi-channel product distribution as well as managing and developing OEM accounts, cultivating dealer relationships, and implementing innovative marketing programs,” says Gutteridge.

Gutteridge will support Barrus’ network of marine dealers and promote the outboard, boat and equipment product portfolio with brands including Mariner, Mercury, Zodiac and Bombard Boats, and the Barrus Marine Equipment line-up.

“I am excited to meet and build relationships with Barrus’ existing customer base, maximise sales opportunities and develop and grow potential new business areas for the company,” says Gutteridge. “Barrus not only offers industry-leading brands and equipment, but the chance to be part of an amazing team with years of experience combined with an innovative and visionary mindset attracted me to this role. I have a passion for water sports, and boating and fishing have certainly influenced my career path.”

“Craig’s experience makes him a perfect fit for this position as he has worked in a similar operation at Rutherford Marine,” adds Ben Allen, general manager of the marine division at Barrus. “I am sure he will relish the challenge of being part of a dynamic sales and marketing team with ambitious plans for the future.”