Following seven years as the Director of the Chinese super yacht builder PRIDE MEGA YACHTS, Itay Simhony has amicably departed from his role.

Itay Simhony

Simhony joined the yard operation as director back when it was still known as Raffles Yachts, prior to the superyacht division’s rebrand as Pride Mega Yachts. Over the course of his time with the yard he worked in both the superyacht and commercial divisions of the company. With a background in naval architecture responsibilities included the design and construction work of engine rooms for offshore platforms and acting as General Manager of special projects.

Recent work has included overseeing the design co-ordination for both the in-build 88.8m motor yacht Illusion project and new confidential >100m yacht project under development, in conjunction with Azure Naval Architecture and Sinot Yacht Design. Simhony undertook the set up of Pride Mega Yachts’ brand new superyacht facility and the rebranding and marketing of the shipyard’s superyacht arm as Pride Mega Yachts, which had a direct influence on the recent sale of Illusion. Simhony also worked closely with Jan Jaap Minnema of Fraser Yachts, who closed the sale of Illusion superyacht in 2014.

Simhony has now returned home to New Zealand, and is actively pursuing new opportunities. With 30 years experience in the international marine industry, as a captain, naval architect and project manager, and long working relationships with the broker community, suppliers and designers Simhony has a wealth of experience. “I greatly enjoyed my time at Pride Mega Yachts, and am very proud of what we achieved. I am now looking forward to spending time with my family after so many years in China,” said Simhony. “There are some exciting options presenting themselves and I am looking forward to my next move.”