Marine Mover – Lewmar appoints new managing director
UNITED KINGDOM – The board of directors of Clyde Marine plc, parent company of Lewmar and Navtec, has appointed Peter O’Connell as managing director of Lewmar Ltd., a marine hardware business with sales, manufacturing and distribution in the U.K., Holland and France, the company said in a statement Wednesday.
O’Connell is currently president and chief operating officer of Lewmar Inc. and of the Navtec group of companies worldwide. After stepping in to manage Lewmar through a period of reorganization, Arthur MacMillan will revert to his role as CEO of Clyde Marine plc and focus on the strategic development of the group.
In his new position, which begins July 1, O’Connell joins the Clyde Marine board of directors and will have operational responsibility for all Lewmar and Navtec businesses around the world. He will relocate with his family to the U.K. from the company’s U.S. headquarters in Guilford, Conn.
‘’Over the last two years, we have made a number of organizational and structural changes, which have set us up to compete effectively in the global market,” MacMillan said. “It is now appropriate to consolidate all operational responsibility under Peter so that he can run a seamless global business. Peter’s track record within the group and excellent market knowledge make him the ideal candidate for this challenging role.”
“Since joining the company 13 years ago, Peter O’Connell has been responsible for growing Navtec into the world’s leading rigging business and, as COO of Lewmar Inc., Lewmar’s U.S.-based distribution business, he has overseen the increase of sales both to powerboat manufacturers and to the retail market to complement its strong sailboat business,” said Rhoddy Swire, chairman. “Peter’s appointment will strengthen the Clyde Marine Board and enable Arthur to focus on broader strategic issues which are necessary to build shareholder value.”
O’Connell joined Navtec in 1992 and Lewmar in 2000. An experienced sailor and avid boater, O’Connell, 41, is married with one child. He was educated at the University of Vermont, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He also holds an MBA from Boston College.
