Cox Marine: four senior appointments as production ramps up

British manufacturer, Cox Marine, is announcing four new appointments to its leadership team as the company ramps up production to meet global demand for the high-performance CXO300 diesel outboard engine.

Cox Marine is appointing David Gilbert as its new chief commercial officer and Marcus Randall as its head of marketing and communications, while Paul Cavander joins as head of industrial strategy and Heinz Stalhammar as chief engineer.

The additions to the British manufacturer’s senior team correspond with the implementation of a second production shift after the recruitment of 23 additional technicians, doubling engine output capacity at Cox’s facility at Shoreham-by-Sea. The company says the expansion represents the latest investment by Cox Marine in its strategic response to the rapidly growing market and a strong 2022 order book, with high interest from industry partners and customers who are keen to experience the benefits of one of the world’s first high-powered diesel outboard engines.

Designed for both commercial and recreational use, Cox says the CXO300 diesel outboard offers up to 30 per cent fuel savings, producing 30 per cent less CO₂ emissions, and has 479lb. ft torque.

Cox Marine has also recently announced further distribution expansion in the UAE, Poland and Finland.

Regarding the new appointments, Gavin Wesson, CEO of Cox Marine, says: “With extensive experience in driving businesses’ growth, product development and achieving significant market share, the appointments of David, Marcus, Paul and Heinz are very exciting additions to the Cox Marine team. Their expertise, knowledge, and talent will play a key role in supporting the next phase of Cox’s story as we progress from engine development to full-scale product manufacturing. We welcome them all to the team here at Cox Marine.”

David Gilbert joins from McLaren Automotive, where he spent over ten years in roles including director of strategy, managing director for EMEA, and lastly commercial operations director. Gilbert has also previously worked for Element Six, Volkswagen, PA Consulting and Accenture. David will be joining Cox Marine’s executive committee.

Paul Cavander has been appointed as head of industrial strategy, beginning his new role last month (May 2022). Paul has joined from GKN Aerospace where he was projects director. Prior to this he was a site manager, managing a team of 260 people and has previously held senior operations and management roles at Rolls-Royce Bentley and In2Tec. Cavander will be responsible for ensuring the industrial efficiency and operations of Cox Marine are as effective as possible as it steps up its manufacturing in the coming months and years.

Heinz Stalhammar also joined Cox Marine in May 22 as chief engineer. Heinz has more than 40 years’ experience working on automotive, marine and competition engines. He has joined from another engine manufacturer where he has spent the last ten years engineering diesel engines for marine use.

Marcus Randall is now in place as head of marketing and communications to drive promotion of the CXO300 engine and coordinate with Cox’s global network of distributors. With more than 14 years of experience in marketing, working with high-profile international brands, Marcus has led marketing efforts across a range of sectors, including automotive, gaming, construction, FMCG and hospitality industries.

Gilbert, new chief commercial officer at Cox Marine says: “It is a pleasure to be joining Cox Marine, an exciting and ambitious British engine manufacturer that has developed an innovative engine that promises to disrupt the marine outboard market significantly. I look forward to working closely with the Cox Marine team and its network of distributors to establish Cox Marine as a leading, best-in-class British technology brand.”

Cavander adds: “Joining Cox Marine is an extremely exciting opportunity. With a talented team, experienced leadership, an impressive manufacturing facility, and a disruptive new product, it is well-placed to grow and achieve significant market share over the coming years.”