7 December 2023

by British Marine

Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding has reached another significant milestone by announcing major changes to its senior management structure.

To reflect the company’s exponential growth in recent years, Cockwells has announced that Founder, Dave Cockwell will take up the dual roles of executive chairman and sales and technical director, whilst Dean Short is appointed to the role of managing director with immediate effect.

Having held the position of director of operations at Princess Yachts for more than six years, Dean Short is ideally placed to take up the operational reins of Cockwells, which will enable Dave Cockwell to focus on developing new products, increasing sales and driving technological innovation.

With a full order book stretching well into 2025, sales across the company’s entire product range, which includes Duchy Motor Launches, Hardy Motor Yachts and luxurious, highly customised superyacht tenders, continue to increase at pace, following one of the busiest periods in Cockwells’ history.

“It is a real pleasure to welcome Dean on board having personally been at the helm and steered the ship through considerable growth over the last 20 years,” explains Dave Cockwell.

“It is fantastic to have recruited somebody with such a wealth of experience and knowledge, not only in boatbuilding but also in manufacturing, to help take command of this expanding company. We have extensive growth plans for the coming years and are now operating over three sites with a workforce of more than 150 staff to meet the ever-increasing demand for the bespoke superyacht tenders, Duchy Motor Launches and Hardy Motor Yachts that we are proud to design and build.”

“I am really excited to be joining a business with such a rich heritage, such a prestigious product range and a great team here in Falmouth,” says Dean Short of his appointment. “I am inspired by Dave and his shareholders’ drive, passion and enthusiasm to significantly grow the business and to continue to build the global brand it is today. It is a real privilege for me to be part of this winning team and to lead it forward as we embark on this exciting new journey together.”