on 28 Jul 2026
Sunseeker International has confirmed Cross Ocean Partners and Cheyne Capital as its long-term owners, completing an ownership transfer that closes a period of uncertainty for the British yacht builder.
Alongside the change of ownership, the company has announced Scott Millar (below) will become its new Chief Executive Officer, backed by four senior executive appointments designed to drive the next phase of the brand’s growth.
Millar’s path to the top job began at Teneo, where he was engaged to help develop Sunseeker’s five-year growth plan. That work, according to the company, made him the natural choice to lead the business permanently. He brings more than 27 years of experience in business transformation and operational improvement, including previous stints as CEO and Chief Transformation Officer across a range of international industries.
He takes over from Steve Timms, who has served as Interim CEO through the strategic and ownership transition.
“It was important to us not to rush the appointment of a permanent CEO,” says Timms. “We wanted it to be someone who truly cares about this brand, who has the vision, passion and experience necessary to lead Sunseeker into its next phase of growth with true stability. Scott is the perfect choice. He and his team at Teneo were responsible for creating the five-year strategic plan that has been guiding our business.”
Millar says the scale of opportunity at Sunseeker was what drew him to the permanent role. “Sunseeker is one of the most admired names in the marine industry, with an extraordinary heritage, an exceptional product range and an incredibly talented team,” says Millar. “We have a clear vision, ambitious plans for growth and the full support of our shareholders to invest in the brand, our people and our products. I am honoured to lead the business into this next chapter.”
The CEO appointment is paired with four new executive hires spanning the automotive, technology and premium consumer sectors. Andy Gawthorpe joins as Chief Commercial Officer, arriving from senior sales roles at Aston Martin and Triumph Motorcycles. Ian Morgan becomes Chief Strategy Officer after nearly two decades in strategic transformation, having already worked with Sunseeker’s leadership on its new superyacht strategy. James Grove, named a HotTopics Global CIO 100 winner in 2026, joins as Chief Information Officer to lead the company’s digital transformation, following senior technology roles at Chelsea FC and Southampton FC; while Adrian Mardell, formerly Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, joins as Non-Executive Chairman.
Sunseeker described the appointments as one of the largest single investments in executive talent in the company’s history. Backed by Cross Ocean Partners and Cheyne Capital, the yacht builder, represented in Asia by DCH Marine, has launched an enterprise-wide transformation spanning commercial operations, product development and manufacturing, including plans to expand its product range.
The company is also planning a rebrand, to be unveiled alongside several new product concepts at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker employs around 1,900 people and builds approximately 90 yachts a year ranging from 55 to 134 feet, with 98 per cent of production exported.
Cross Ocean Partners is a global alternative investment manager with roughly US$12.2 billion in assets under management, while Cheyne Capital, launched in 2000 and based in London, is one of Europe’s leading alternative investment managers, investing across real estate and credit as well as equity strategies.
For more Industry news, click here.