Horizon Yachts is proud to announce the appointment of Matt Yapp and Gary Wahlstedt as new directors of Horizon Motor Yachts Australia (HMYA). Matt and Gary are both current Horizon yacht owners, who share a passion for the Horizon brand and product.
Two New Directors for Horizon Motor Yachts Australia
Current HMYA Director Russell Wright and his wife Denise are retiring at the end of 2014 after eight years with the company and over 40 years in the industry. “I’m satisfied with the direction we’ve taken the company and the Horizon brand over the years,” said Russell, “But it’s time for a new injection of ideas and energy…and time for me to enjoy the time off!”
The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show has proven fruitful for HMYA in more ways than one – it was where Matt and Gary first met when they each purchased their Horizon Yachts a few years ago; Matt owns the Horizon E88 motor yacht White Caviar and Gary owns the Horizon E73 motor yacht Swell Time. They became fast friends, even taking their families cruising together; however it was Russell’s plans for retirement and a chance conversation that led to the new business partnership between Matt and Gary, who will officially take over operations of HMYA on January 6th, 2015.
A special ceremony held at the HMYA office in Sanctuary Cove on November 27, 2014
Matt, who owns the largest heavy haulage and crane business in Queensland, brings with him extensive engineering skills, while Gary’s background in manufacturing and residential construction allows him to be the source of new and innovative ideas for the company. Having spent much time at the Horizon Yachts factory in Taiwan, the partners believe firmly in Horizon’s quality as well as the technology and R&D that goes into manufacturing all Horizon hulls; they plan to continue building the well-established Horizon Yachts brand in Australia and will focus on enhancing the Horizon experience for current owners as well as future clients.
During a special ceremony held November 27th at the HMYA office in Sanctuary Cove, Horizon Group CEO John Lu officially announced Russell’s retirement introduced Matt and Gary as the new HMYA Directors. With marina full of Horizon yachts and over 80 guests in attendance, John commended Russell for his hard work in building Horizon Yachts within the Australian market and selling over 46 Horizon yachts during his tenure. He also welcomed Matt and Gary to the Horizon Yachts family and expressed his enthusiasm for their new endeavor with HMYA. “Matt and Gary have great confidence in the Horizon brand, in our quality and design; they also have experience as Horizon Yacht owners which is of great benefit to the improvement of our yachts,” said John. “We are looking forward to working together to meet the demands of the Australian market and continue to provide excellent sales and service to our valued clients,” said Lu.
Horizon Yachts wants to extend their best wishes to Russell and Denise – Horizon hope they enjoy a wonderful retirement! The yard is also very excited with the new leadership for Horizon Motor Yachts Australia under Matt and Gary and is confident their expertise will continue to pave the way for Horizon Yachts in Australia.
