British boatbuilder Oyster Yachts has confirmed that Ashley Highfield will step down as chief executive officer in the third quarter of this year. Highfield has worked seven years with the company, initially as executive chairman and more recently as CEO.
The company says it has already confirmed Highfield’s successor, and states they “come from the marine manufacturing industry.” The announcement of Oyster’s new CEO will be made in the coming weeks.
Highfield will remain in an advisory role for a limited period to assist with the transition.
During his time as CEO, Highfield reduced company losses in his first year and returned the business to profitability in the financial year that just ended (FY25).
Company owner Richard Hadida will remain chairman, with a focus on product development, branding, marketing and oversight of the board.
Hadida says: “I am eternally grateful for Ashley’s leadership, direction and support on our voyage to turn Oyster around. We have been working closely together on the successful growth of topline revenues and brand.
“We agreed he would take over as CEO for a finite three-year period, with a mission to re-establish Oyster as a pre-eminent brand in the luxury sailing yacht market. I am happy to say that the job is done.
“Ashley leaves Oyster in robust financial health. After achieving record sales this year just finished, we’re looking at posting our first EBITDA positive year, which is fantastic. With a strong order book for 2025 and into 2026 we are set up for a sustainably profitable future, ensuring we can continue to invest in new facilities, product development and customer care.
“His innovative thinking and leadership have given us the new 805, the updated 595 Series 2, a full Oyster World Rally 2026, and a new suite of services, including the Oyster Explorers Club. It is all part of our longer-term journey from a pure yacht manufacturer to a brand which delivers dreams and adventures.
“I look forward to welcoming our new CEO, who can take the business forward to the end of this decade and beyond.”
Highfield comments: “It has been an honour to serve as chair and CEO of this great British company for the past seven years and really get to know the team – the brilliant craftsmen and women, the passionate project managers, commissioning, warranty and service teams, and the hugely knowledgeable marketing and sales teams. It’s these folk, as much as the yachts themselves, that are Oyster’s unique strengths, as many owners consistently take the time to tell me. The opportunities for them and the Oyster brand going forward are enormous.
“With the business trading profitably, backed by a strong order book and impressive fresh line-up of models and services, I will hand over the helm in the autumn to a new CEO, who will have the energy, experience and passion to take Oyster forward to the next level over the coming years, working with the impressive leadership team and the 500-strong highly skilled and talented workforce based in the UK, Spain and the US.
“We have a very clear vision for Oyster, and it will continue to deliver the very best, British-built, luxury cruising yachts in the world while ensuring that we run a sustainable and profitable business.”
The company has recently launched the Oyster Explorers Club, a new initiative that offers curated cruising expeditions to remote locations. Oyster has also introduced the Bluewater Academy, which delivers training and coaching for yacht owners and crew.
The latest addition to the Oyster fleet is the 805. Positioned between the Oyster 745 and 885 Series II, the new 80-foot yacht combines bluewater capability with features typically found on larger vessels.
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