Hatteras/CABO is moving well into the 21st century, with the same essential requirements that have allowed the company to become one of the best builders of convertible and motor yachts in the industry: bold, enterprising, innovative, forward thinking. Even more, they, along with the iconic logos, are ingrained into the very DNA of every Hatteras and CABO Yacht that slips down the way from New Bern, North Carolina. Being aware of the fact that change is often a necessary part of moving forward, and to ensure the successful and time-tested values and tight-ship attitude continue, Hatteras is very pleased to welcome industry veteran John Ward as President of Hatteras/CABO.
John Ward, Aboard as Hatteras/CABO President
The move came as a result of Brunswick Boat Group President Andy Graves picking Tim Schiek, an 18-year Brunswick pro and, since 2010, the president of Boston Whaler, to helm the Sea Ray Group along with Dave O’Connell as senior vice president in charge of global sales for the Sea Ray and Meridian brands. O’Connell was previously the president of Hatteras/CABO.
Ward began his marine industry career in 1989 when the then National Sales Manager for Boston Whaler asked him if he would like to join the Boston Whaler team. “At that time, the business had just been sold to Reebok and there was a new direction and energy that I wanted to be a part of,” he said.
That same enthusiasm enabled him to quickly rise to the top, spending five years as president of Whaler and another five at Mercury Marine. “Those experiences have allowed me to bring a very special knowledge, experience, and understanding of working with iconic and global brands to the Hatteras/CABO table.”
With the company seeing recent strength in the Latin American markets as well as coming out of the 2012 Fort Lauderdale, and 2013 Miami and Palm Beach shows with post activity and sales up from last year even though overall attendance was a bit down, Ward, with his distinctive experience, will help keep Hatteras/CABO moving forward. “He is uniquely qualified and will be instrumental in defining and driving the execution of the necessary strategies to strengthen the Hatteras/CABO business,” said Graves.
