Sunseeker boss Phil Popham moving on to “new challenges” at the end of September

Phil Popham, departing chief executive of Sunseeker International, will leave at the end of September.

Mr Popham joined the Poole-based yacht builder in January 2015 to lead the development of the company’s turnaround plan, and saw the firm return to profit in 2016 ahead of schedule. He said he planned to leave the brand to pursue other challenges.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sunseeker International,” he says. “To have played a part in the turnaround of this fabulous brand makes me immensely proud, but the business is now firmly in its next phase of growth and it is time for me to embark on a fresh challenge.”

Jon Zeng, from parent firm Dalian Wanda, says: “Phil leaves Sunseeker in a very healthy position with a record order book, an exciting long-term product plan and the necessary corporate structure to allow the company to focus on its future growth.”

“We would like to thank him for his leadership, professionalism and guidance and wish him every success in his new endeavours.”

The firm is now seeking a new CEO, with chief financial officer Mike McMillan and chief operations officer Michael Straughan dealing with day-to-day running in the meantime.

This story is from the Daily Echo