UK Marine industry figure David Pougher takes over the well respected role of British Marine President from Fiona Pankhurst who has held the position since 2014.

During her time as President, Fiona led the organisation forward and was instrumental in seeing British Marine unveil a strong new identity that stands out within the context of modern brands in the marine sector. The brand, launched last year, was the result of a year-long exercise which was undertaken in-house and overseen by Fiona and the British Marine Management Board. It strongly connects the organisation’s members with Britain’s reputation for quality, excellent design and innovation, giving British Marine the opportunity to really promote what is great about the British marine industry. As immediate Past President, Fiona remains on the management board of British Marine, enabling continuity of the strength of purpose she has helped to build.

Incoming President, David, has been involved in the UK marine industry for over 35 years, retiring from his position at Yamaha as Divisional Manager, Marine and All Terrain Business in 2013. David then set-up Deep Consultancy, a marine business consultancy specialising in SME’s and maintaining a business interest in Yamarin Boats from Finland, Selva Marine/Marlin RIBS from Italy and the PWP (Personal Watercraft Partnership). He has had extensive involvement with British Marine over the years, as a British Marine member and also through a number of British Marine groups and committees such as the British Marine Engines & Equipment Association, the Boating Environment & Facilities Committee, the British Marine Boat Shows Board and the British Marine Management Board.

On taking over from Fiona, David commented: “It is an honour to become the next President of British Marine. The organisation provides members with invaluable support, opportunities and benefits to help grow their businesses and it does a great job in raising the profile of the UK marine industry. My fellow British Marine members and the team at Marine House have my commitment, focus and drive to assist, support and protect over the next two years.

“I look forward to this position and challenge and it’s my intention, during the next six months, to visit every region, every British Marine association and as many committees and individual members as possible. I look forward to working with our members, our Management Board, the British Marine Boat Shows team and all the staff, for the good of our industry.”

Howard Pridding, British Marine Chief Executive, commented: “Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona for her commitment to British Marine during her time as our President and her enthusiasm in undertaking all of her British Marine duties. The successes she has helped to achieve will drive the industry forward. I am delighted to welcome David as the new President and am looking forward to working with him and the new Vice-Presidents, Alice Driscoll and Anthony Trafford, to continue to raise the profile of the British marine industry both at home and overseas.”