British luxury yacht manufacturer, Oyster Yachts, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jane Wilkinson (née Arden) as Head of Marketing and Simon Haynes as Finance Director. Both will be based at Oyster’s new headquarters in Southampton.
New management at Oyster Yachts
The new appointments follow the recent relocation from Ipswich, restructure of the successful British business and the expansion of their production facilities. With the current order-book now at 32 yachts, Jane and Simon join Oyster’s Management at an exciting time and their collective experience reinforces the momentum and growth of Oyster Yachts.
Commenting on the new appointments and location, Oyster CEO David Tydeman said: “The relocation of the Oyster headquarters to our long established Shipyard in Southampton creates a simpler structure than our previous operating model of out-sourced sub-contracting. Recruiting Simon and Jane into the senior team is part of ensuring we have the right skills to deliver this new focus and to build up the close links we need between the Southampton yard and our sister shipyard in Norfolk; I am delighted they have joined us.”
Jane joins Oyster from P&O Cruises where she developed and led the Marketing and Planning, working to establish a ‘through the line’ communications strategy. With previous roles at the luxury holiday group Cadogan, Europe’s largest entertainments company – Merlin and Plastimo UK, Jane has extensive knowledge of Marketing in B2B and B2C environments in the luxury and marine industries. An energetic marketing professional with strong global experience and instinct for business improvement coupled with Jane’s background in digital marketing, form the top line of her expertise.
Having started her career at the Royal Southern Yacht Club as Assistant Sailing Secretary, Jane has a broad understanding of the yachting scene, with marketing roles at the Tour de France a la Voile, GBR Challenge for the America’s cup and with the winning Alinghi team in the 2003 America’s Cup.
Jane Wilkinson said: “Having a personal interest in yachting and a strong match to the professional skills required for this position, I am relishing working for such an established international brand and leading the Marketing and Communications for the whole business. I look forward to developing a further integrated and cohesive marketing approach, with particular emphasis on the digital platform.
“The forthcoming Oyster BVI Regatta in April, Private View at St Katharine Docks and Owners’ Dinner in May, will also give me the opportunity to meet the extended Oyster family!”
Establishing the role of Head of Marketing, Jane’s first recruit for her new team sees Kate Porteous join as Marketing and Communications Manager with further roles selectively being filled in the coming months.
Heading up the Finance function at Oyster, Simon Haynes has recently been appointed as Director and is managing the commercial accounting and financial operation of the business. Simon’s background spans over 15 years working as a senior finance professional across a number of SME, private equity and listed companies including De La Rue – the world’s largest commercial banknote printer and security print solutions provider and Talaris/Glory Global Solutions – the market leading provider of cash-handling solutions to the financial, retail and gaming industries on a global basis.
Simon has a track record of delivering results and supporting business growth through the setting of business strategy, support of business development activities and driving improvements at an operation level as a key member of business teams.
Commenting on his new role Simon Haynes said: “This is an exciting and very appealing role at Oyster and I was delighted to be able to accept the opportunity to join a global brand within the exclusive, high quality yacht market. I believe my experience in a variety of operating environments and business sectors will help drive further success and I am pleased to be playing an integral role in securing future results. I look forward to exploring our strategic options and driving operational efficiencies as I take up the financial reins at Oyster Yachts.”
Both Jane and Simon’s appointments will further strengthen the new HQ and team at Oyster’s premises in Saxon Wharf, Southampton.
