Navico has named Sean Hatherley as senior sales vice president for the Americas for the parent company of Lowrance , Simrad Yachting, B&G and C-MAP.
Hatherley, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, will oversee all retail, distribution, technical installer and boat builder sales channels in North, Central and South America.
The company said he will focus on fostering stronger connections with new and existing customers and provide additional pathways for customers to connect direction with the Navico sales team for help with system building, installation recommendations and education.
“With our recent changes in the Navico America’s sales leadership and organization, we’re excited to bring a new approach to serving our customers in a direct and personal way,” said Hatherley in a statement.
Navico is looking to leverage what it calls “tremendous sales growth” and sizable increase in new boaters hitting the water by expanding its presence in strategic geographic regions and making a recruitment push.
They’ve recently opened a new office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., so staff can be closer to several resellers, dealers, boat builders, consumers and major shows.
That office will also offer support “extensive in-house recreational and commercial product technical training for dealers,” the company said.
Due to increased boating activity in the pandemic, demand for Lowrance, Simrad and B&G products has grown — resulting in expansion of that team with the hiring of Les Ares as director of boatbuilder and OEM business. Ares has over 25 years of experience working with companies including Pursuit Boats, Jupiter Boats and Lumishore.
“We have always maintained a laser focus on the marine marketplace in an effort to innovate and deliver the best solutions for every kind of boater,” said Navico CEO Knut Frostad. “Now, with Sean leading our rapidly expanding Americas sales organization, we will support our customers and consumers with that same unwavering focus to ensure everyone gets the most from their Navico experience.”
