The British Marine Federation (BMF) is happy to announced that is has appointed Howard  Pridding as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Rob Stevens from 1st October, 2012.

Appointed following a rigorous externally-run recruitment process, Howard is the current Executive Director of the BMF and recognised throughout the industry as a wise and astute campaigner on marine matters, with an extensive knowledge of the industry.   He has an enviable record of success in promoting the industry to successive governments to improve the trading climate for British marine companies and has long been one of the most significant personalities in the industry.

Howard is well qualified to help the industry through the current financial difficulties and will continue the progress of positioning the BMF as one the most influential trade associations in the country. In his new role Howard will oversee both the work of the Federation and its two world-renowned boat shows in the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show and PSP Southampton Boat Show, where his many years of working with hundreds of members on commercial and reputational matters will be invaluable.

At the same time as making this appointment, the BMF’s Management Board has taken this opportunity to look at the senior structure of the organisation and has decided to consolidate the existing positions of Executive Director and Chief Executive. This structural change complements last year’s restructuring, thus reducing costs further and giving the BMF the focused leadership it needs for future success.

The board welcomes the new opportunities that this appointment brings and looks forward to a very successful tenure with Howard Pridding at the helm.