Cox Marine, a diesel outboard manufacturer, has announced a series of changes to its commercial operations and sales leadership structure.
Over the past three years, Cox Marine says it has made strides to deliver its first product to market: the 300 V8. The firm describes that as the world’s first purpose-built, high-horsepower diesel outboard. The company is currently progressing through the final validation stages of the outboard.
Cox Marine believes that production and validation of the 300 V8 will mark the transition from its roots as a research and development business. It says it’s adopting a business-to-business sales model with a defined growth strategy, a clear route to market, and strong, confident, and capable strategic distribution partners.
“The success of our ‘fewer, bigger, better’ distribution strategy allows us to evolve our commercial structure confidently,” notes Gemma Crocker, network development & commercial operations director. The dealer directory is on the company’s website.
“By empowering strategically aligned, capable distributors with larger territories, we can focus our internal efforts on securing significant opportunities, knowing our network is well-equipped to drive broad market reach and provide exceptional customer support.”
The company launched the Cox Marine 350, a 350-horsepower variant of the British firm’s flagship V8 outboard, at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show. After the 350 V8 successfully achieved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier III approval for commercial and recreational applications, the British outboard and diesel pioneer opened its order book in anticipation of production commencing in August 2024.
Now Cox Marine has appointed Hugh Hudleston as its business development director. Hudleston’s role is to focus on cultivating and securing substantial government and commercial contracts.
He’s been with the organisation since August 2020, having joined as head of sales and held a series of senior positions within the sales function. Most recently he was the regional director for the Americas where, with the support of the distribution network, he has introduced Cox Marine’s V8 diesel outboards to commercial and government operators.
“I am delighted to be taking on this new role at such a pivotal time for Cox Marine,” says Hudleston. “I look forward to working alongside our distributors and focusing our efforts on securing significant partnerships that will drive the next phase of the company’s growth.”
Gary Heath, regional director for Europe and Africa has left the business as has Ian Hubbard, Cox Marine’s global aftersales director and regional director for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East (the latter has retired).
Now Stephen Pitt who remains as head of aftersales, reporting to James Eatwell (Cox Marine’s technical director), will have full responsibility for the global aftermarket support.
“This strategic evolution of our commercial team is a crucial step in our journey towards becoming a leading force in the high-horsepower outboard market,” says Gavin Wesson, CEO of Cox Marine. “By consolidating our business development efforts and focusing on key strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to capitalise on the significant opportunities ahead and achieve our goal of sustainable growth.”
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