New management team for Spirit Yachts

Spirit Yachts has announced changes to its senior management team. 

After nearly seven years as managing director, Nigel Stuart is moving into a non-executive director role and remains a company shareholder.

Karen Underwood, previously operations director, becomes joint managing director alongside Mike Taylor, former head of group commercial at Oyster Yachts. As joint managing directors, Underwood and Taylor will share the day-to-day running of the company. Underwood will continue to oversee the operations side of the business, whilst Taylor will manage production.

Hampshire-based Stuart, who is taking a step back from the Suffolk-based yard to work closer to home in a role outside of the marine industry, says: “As many people know, I am passionate about Spirit Yachts and I am delighted to be retaining an active interest in the company.

“During the pandemic, Karen has shown exceptional management skills and has helped steer Spirit Yachts safely through a challenging period. Mike Taylor’s project management skills and wealth of experience in yacht construction are a great fit to help continue Spirit’s success.”

Spirit Yachts CEO and head of design, Sean McMillan, comments: “This announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Spirit Yachts. Karen and Mike’s combined experience makes for a strong duo at the helm of the company, which has continued to grow despite the pandemic. With Nigel in a non-exec role, Spirit will continue to benefit from his expertise and insight as we move forward.”

Image courtesy of Spirit Yachts. L-R Sean McMillan, Karen Underwood, Mike Taylor.