Sunseeker Yachts has named Andrea Frabetti to replace Christian Marti as CEO. The U.K. builder named Frabetti as its chief technical officer in January.
Frabetti had worked as the vice president of product development for the Ferretti Group for over 25 years and following that period, he was CEO of Diesel Center Spa.
Marti resigned after being named Sunseeker CEO in November 2018.
“On behalf of Dalian Wanda, we would like to thank Christian for his input, professionalism and leadership. Christian leaves Sunseeker in a very healthy position focused on its future growth,” said John Zeng, the board representative for Sunseeker’s majority shareholder, Dalian Wanda, in a statement. “We have worked with the Sunseeker executive management team to create the strategic committee and we are confident that Sunseeker, with the continued support of Dalian Wanda, will be in an even stronger position to grow on its success.”
Frabetti, according to the statement, will work with Mike McMillan, chief financial officer, and Michael Straughan to form a new strategic framework for the business. He will also work with the current executive management team that includes Adrian Powell, Sean Robertson, Barbara Baker, and Sian Dodds to increase sales.
Sean Robertson, president of Sunseeker USA told Trade Only Today at the Miami Yacht Show in February that Sunseeker will continue its fast pace of new-product development.
“Andrea will lead the company forward in new technologies and designs,” said Robertson. “He will really be responsible for how we evolve. Our five-year plan is more about evolution rather than revolution.”
Sunseeker has extended its model line at the top and lower ends. The company is working with the ICON shipyard in the Netherlands on its first 161-ft. aluminum superyacht. It also recently announced a 38-ft. center console, representing a move into that strong-selling segment.
“Since his arrival at Sunseeker at the beginning of the year, Andrea has been devising an exciting new product plan that has been developed in conjunction with the Sunseeker management team,” said the company statement. “The focus for the company moving ahead will be on the new product development plan supported by excellence in operations, an engaged workforce and a strong commercial focus to drive profitable growth.”
