Nautic Global names new CEO
ELKHART, Ind. – Nautic Global Group Inc. reported today that the company’s chief financial officer Michael A. Kitson will succeed Nautic Global’s chief executive officer Robert Moran. Moran, who is leaving his executive role with Nautic Global to pursue new opportunities closer to his home and family in Texas, will remain involved with Nautic Global as a member of the company’s board of directors. The succession is effective immediately.
“I am honored and excited to deepen my commitment to Nautic Global, one of the largest, most respected boat manufacturers in the country,” Kitson said in a statement. “For more than 60 years we have delivered on our longstanding promise to produce ‘a boat for every passion.’ Under Bob’s leadership, and thanks to our dedicated workforce and our supportive dealer community, Nautic Global weathered the economic downturn and has a strong financial footing. I look forward to leading Nautic Global to its next stage of growth.”
Kitson continued, “As part of our growth strategy, we will focus on investing in affordable boats to get more families on the water, including in new products for both the Godfrey and Rinker lines. Nautic Global’s focus always has been on providing quality boats that our customers want, and I am committed to working with our clients and dealers to ensure we continue raising the bar and exceeding expectations.”
Moran said he feels comfortable with the position he is leaving the company in.
“With Nautic Global in a strong and stable position, with positive customer response to our new Rinker introductions, and with Mike having proven himself to be the leader we wanted when we recruited him last year, now is the right time for this succession,” he said. “I am proud of all the company has accomplished over the past few years, and I look forward to continuing my board level involvement with Nautic Global.”
Kitson has over 20 years of leadership experience in both public and private manufacturing companies. Before joining Nautic Global in 2010, Kitson was president of Utilimaster Corporation, a commercial vehicle manufacturer. During his 10 years at Utilimaster, Kitson was promoted from vice president and chief financial officer to president and chief executive officer. He held the CEO role until 2009, when he led the company’s combination with Spartan Motors, at which point he continued to head Utilimaster as president.
Over the course of his three years as president, Utilimaster’s peak revenues exceeded $185 million. Prior to joining Utilimaster in 1999, Kitson held various financial roles during a ten year career with Lilly Industries, a publicly traded manufacturer of paint and coatings for OEMs.
Kitson earned a B.S. in accounting from Ball State University and an M.B.A. from Butler University.
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