After 11 years at the helm of leading winch and anchoring equipment manufacturer, Muir Windlasses, Matthew Johnston has stepped down from his role, with the company also announcing two new appointments.
Muir Winches Australia’s managing director, Matthew Johnston stepped down from his role with the company on July 1.
The well-known industry stalwart has led Muir for 11 years, and is also known for his dedication to furthering the professionalism and growth of the superyacht industry as a whole.
Johnston’s skilled team will take over as he leaves, with chief financial officer, Grant Asher moving into the CEO role, sales manager Federico Verona taking over European sales and Michael Corfield appointed as general manager of sales.
Corfield has an extensive background in the marine industry and is looking forward to helping Muir extend its already-strong global team. He joins a management team made up of Asher, who is also one of the newly-announced investors in the company, alongside Andrew Buckley, former CEO of ASX-listed Cardno, who will take on the role of executive chairman.
“Michael came to us with a CV tailor-made for the role: over 15 years’ experience in the marine sector working with many of our current customers and a strong track record in growing sales” said Asher.
Johnston will remain in the marine industry, though in a different sector and says he’s looking forward to being based in his native Tasmania and able to spend more time with his young family.
“Under his management, Muir has won the Australian Marine Export Large Manufacturer award several times. Matt’s contributed to the growing global recognition of Muir with his professional presence at key trade shows, where he also always promotes Australia; assisting other smaller manufacturers to gain recognition and sales,” says Maryanne Edwards, chief executive of Superyacht Australia.
“His contribution to the AIMEX board and involvement on the Superyacht Australia committee has ensured the organization continues to gain good global intelligence and his professionalism has contributed to the culture within the organization.”
With ongoing research and development resulting in design and manufacturing alterations, Muir’s products set the pace for other industry producers. MUIR continues to be the pre-eminent expert in anchoring and mooring systems worldwide. MUIR products meet or surpass the globe’s strictest classification requirements, including ABS, LRS, DNV, BV, NKK, GL, CCS, RINA, RRR, RMSR, and comply with MCA and USL codes.
