Fountaine Pajot sets out leadership transition as CEO steps down

French boatbuilder Fountaine Pajot has outlined its upcoming leadership transition, as the group moves towards a change at chief executive level in 2027.

Chief executive Nicolas Gardies is expected to retire next year, with deputy chief executive officer Mathieu Fountaine appointed as CEO to support continuity during the transition.

Steven Guedeu has been appointed deputy chief executive officer of the Fountaine Pajot group. He has been with the group since 2011 and has contributed to the commercial development of the Fountaine Pajot and Dufour brands, as well as their international expansion. He will oversee sales and marketing activities in his new role.

Romain Motteau is stepping down as deputy chief executive officer after more than twenty years with the group. The group says he will continue to support international activities in a strategic capacity while moving on to a separate project, details of which will be revealed ‘in the coming months’.

The executive committee has been expanded to include leadership across industrial operations, supply chain and IT, finance, human resources and purchasing, alongside the chief executive officer and two deputy chief executive officers.

Jordan Sabot has been appointed communication and digital director, succeeding Hélène de Fontainieu after 32 years with the company. He will lead communications and digital activity and support international development.

The group, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year, reported €136.3m in revenue for the first half of fiscal year 2025/26 while maintaining profitability.