Cockwells restructures senior management
British boatbuilder Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has changed its senior management structure.
Cockwells founder Dave Cockwell will step away from his role as managing director. He will take up the dual roles of executive chairman and sales and technical director, while Dean Short is appointed to the role of managing director with immediate effect.
Short held the position of director of operations at Princess Yachts for more than six years and is ready to take the operational reins of Cockwells, leaving Dave Cockwell to focus on developing new products, increasing sales and driving technological innovation.
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding is based in Mylor Creek Boatyard near Falmouth in Cornwall, UK.
The firm says it currently has a full order book stretching into 2025, following one of the busiest periods in Cockwells’ history. The company’s product range includes Duchy Motor Launches, Hardy Motor Yachts and customised superyacht tenders.
Earlier this year, Cockwells confirmed two of its boats will star alongside Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in forthcoming Netflix Original Back in Action.
“It is a real pleasure to welcome Dean on board, having personally been at the helm and steered the ship through considerable growth over the last 20 years,” says Dave Cockwell.
“It is fantastic to have recruited somebody with such a wealth of experience and knowledge, not only in boatbuilding but also in manufacturing, to help take command of this expanding company. We have extensive growth plans for the coming years and are now operating over three sites with a workforce of more than 150 staff to meet the ever-increasing demand for the bespoke superyacht tenders, Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy Motor Yachts that we are proud to design and build.”
Short adds: “I am really excited to be joining a business with such a rich heritage, such a prestigious product range and a great team here in Falmouth. I am inspired by Dave and his shareholders’ drive, passion and enthusiasm to grow the business significantly and to continue to build the global brand it is today.
“It is a real privilege for me to be part of this winning team and to lead it forward as we embark on this exciting new journey together.”
Main image: Dean Short with Dave Cockwell. All images courtesy of Cockwells.
