British Marine has announced the appointment of five new non-executive directors to its board, effective from 18 July 2024. These appointments were made following a vote at the recent British Marine Council, which represents the interests of the membership. The board positions attracted a range of high-quality and experienced applicants, and the newly appointed directors are poised to bring a wealth of diverse expertise and innovative approaches that will fortify the organisation’s strategy and enhance its continued success.

The new board members are:

  • Paul Knox-Johnston – Sales & Marketing Manager at Haven Knox-Johnston
  • Miles Moorhouse – Head of Marketing at Fairline Yachts Ltd
  • Luke Morrison – CEO/Managing Director of Rooster Sailing Ltd
  • Carl Onens (Treasurer) – Managing Director of ABC Leisure Group Limited
  • Malcolm Stewart – Head of Commercial Marine at Haven Knox-Johnston

Carl Onens (pictured) is the Managing Director of ABC Leisure Group Limited, which owns and operates 17 inland waterway marinas across the UK with 200 self-drive self-catering holiday narrowboats for hire, around 1,000 private moorings, a narrowboat builder and repairer, chandler, and a boat management operation, with caravan sites and holiday cottages. Prior to joining ABC Leisure Group as Finance Director in 2006 Carl worked in the finance functions of several multi-million-pound turnover international organisations. He recently completed a four-year term as an elected business boating representative on the Canal and Rivers trust council.

He has a degree in Economics from Birmingham City University and is a Chartered Management Accountant. Carl commented:

“I feel very privileged to be appointed as British Marine’s treasurer. I have a long-standing association with British Marine having worked within the industry for almost 20 years and look forward to help with the vital role representing members.” 

British Marine also announced the appointment of Lyndsay McClay as the new President-Elect. As the Commercial Manager for Marine Industry News, Lyndsay brings a wealth of experience and vision to the helm. She will serve as President-Elect for two years from July 2024 before assuming the role of President in July 2026.

On her appointment Lyndsay commented:

“I’m incredibly honoured to be voted in as President-Elect of British Marine. Since I joined the industry in 2015, I’ve aimed to support the amazing people who are the backbone of our sector. I’m really looking forward to working with our President, Chair, fellow board members and the entire British Marine team to drive success and innovation for the whole industry.”

All the new appointments have been welcomed by British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson who commented:

“We are delighted to welcome such a talented group of professionals to our board. Each new director brings a wealth of experience and a new perspective that is vital for our continued strategic progress. Their diverse expertise will undoubtedly strengthen British Marine’s ability to champion the UK marine industry. I look forward to working closely with them and with our President-Elect, Lyndsay McClay, to navigate the exciting opportunities ahead.”