Boats Group Chairman Ian Atkins steps down Jan. 31

Boats Group Chairman Ian Atkins will step down from his operational responsibilities with the company effective Jan. 31.

Atkins will remain a member of the Boats Group board as an independent director.

Having joined the company in 2000 when it was a San Francisco-based startup, Atkins initially developed the company’s operations outside North America where he successfully built key relationships and identified specific growth enablers throughout Europe. Appointed vice president and general manager of the global business shortly after its acquisition by Dominion Enterprises, Atkins developed and executed business strategies that further positioned YachtWorld as the leading portal and MLS for the yacht brokerage market.

In late 2009, Atkins led the consolidation of the leading marine brands – YachtWorld, Boat Trader and boats.com – into a single digital media entity, creating the Dominion Marine Media brand.

Atkins, together with Courtney Chalmers, vice president of marketing, developed new sales, marketing and educational programs that focused on helping their industry partners optimize their online marketing strategies.

In 2016, Atkins led the company through the successful acquisition by Apax Partners and has since been engaged with the new executive team in planning the strategic direction of the business, as well as concentrating on positioning the Boats Group international business for accelerated growth.

“Ian is a respected leader and veteran in the recreational marine industry, and we are grateful for his leadership and contributions over the last 18 years,” said Boats Group CEO Sam Fulton.

During his tenure, Atkins led the business in building strong relationships and further positioned the company as the leading classifieds marketplace for the marine industry, Fulton said, adding Boats Group looks forward to Atkins continued contributions as an independent board member of our board

“I must say it is so satisfying to be leaving the business at a time when its prospects have never been stronger and in such safe hands,” Atkins said. “The new leadership team brings a wealth of technology and e-commerce skills to Boats Group that the marine industry can really benefit from. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading the business over the last 10 years or so and look forward to staying connected and watching it go from strength to strength.”

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