Iconic Kiwi boat manufacturer Stabicraft is on the hunt for a new chief executive with its founder Paul Adams stepping aside providing a pathway for a new leader after 33 years at the helm.
Mr Adams co-founded the company in 1987 off the back of a DIY innovation in a Bluff workshop – the world’s first virtually unsinkable aluminium boat.
Since then, Stabicraft has grown to become a globally sought-after brand, with a reputation for its boats being strong, safe and fit for purpose. The company’s models are found in waters across the globe, serving commercial and recreational users.
“I’ve been planning my succession since late 2016,” says Mr Adams. “Now is the time for a new chief executive with a special skillset, energy and passion to take Stabicraft to the next level.
“The company is strongly positioned with good sales growth across our key markets in the United States, Australia, Scandinavia and of course in New Zealand.”
Mr Adams will remain with the company, moving into an ambassadorial role and focusing on his strength and passion – design and innovation.
Stabicraft has a track record for continued innovation and industry leadership with an end-user focused design culture backed by relentless market research to understand specific customer needs and opportunities.
From its base in Invercargill, with a staff of around 130 adventure engineers, the company manufactures hundreds of boats every year supported by a global team of 33 dealerships.
The success has also been recognised both in New Zealand and overseas with numerous awards including Southland Exporter of the Year, multiple boat show honours, international and domestic boating quality certifications including a globally prestigious Red Dot design award.
In 2007, Mr Adams was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and then in 2019, he was inducted into the illustrious Hutchwilco Hall of Fame of marine industry movers and shakers. “This is an exciting period for Stabicraft and myself. The new chief executive has a great opportunity to bring their own style to an organisation that is experiencing some serious growth. I cannot wait to see what the next 33 years will bring.”
