Beneteau Opens Maryland Office for Powerboats Division

Beneteau Yachts has expanded operations in North America by opening a marketing and sales office for its powerboats division in Annapolis, Maryland.

“Beneteau is widely known throughout North America as the No. 1 builder of 30′-plus sailing yachts, but it is a little known fact here that Beneteau also builds powerboats. Our powerboat brands are among the most highly regarded and reputable ones in the industry abroad,” Laurent Fabre, of Beneteau, said in a statement.

“We have an exciting challenge to raise awareness throughout North America, but we’re convinced Beneteau will bring dynamics back to the boating sector with product innovations, new architecture and style while addressing the specific needs of the North American powerboat market,” he added.

Fabre will lead the North American expansion for Beneteau’s powerboats division as vice president of sales and marketing. The Beneteau Powerboats Division includes Swift Trawlers, Monte Carlo Yachts, and Flyer Gran Turismo. He has been with Beneteau Yachts for 10 years and has been instrumental in the launch of 45 new powerboat models, including two new product lines. During his tenure in product development, powerboat sales for Beneteau increased by 40%, according to the company.

Fabre is a graduate of Ohio State University with a master’s degree in business administration.

Other new team members include Emmanuel Arri, who joined Beneteau in France 6 years ago. In 2010 he was promoted to vice president of finance and administration for all North American operations.

Arri now divides his time between the new Annapolis office and the sailboats division, which is based in Marion, S.C. His responsibilities include budget planning, accounting, legal, information systems and human resource management.

Maryline O’Shea has been tasked with leading the marketing efforts for the powerboats division as marketing director. A new addition to Beneteau, O’Shea is also a native of France. She moved to the United States after graduation from business school. O’Shea has spent the past 10 years working in marketing and strategic planning in the profit and nonprofit sectors.

Source: Trade Only Today