Cross Ocean Partners and Cheyne Capital have formally become long-term owners and shareholders of Sunseeker International after the ownership transfer process was completed. The British builder also announced the upcoming appointment of Scott Millar as chief executive officer.
Millar first came to Sunseeker through Teneo, where he was engaged to support the development of the company's five-year growth plan. He has more than 27 years' experience in business transformation and operational improvement and has held senior executive positions including chief executive officer and chief transformation officer across several international industries. According to the company's biographical note, he is a senior managing director at Teneo and global head of corporate turnaround and transformation, with a track record spanning the marine, automotive, manufacturing, retail, logistics and leisure sectors.
The appointment follows a period in which Steve Timms served as interim chief executive, leading the business through a phase of strategic development and ownership transition.
"It was important to us not to rush the appointment of a permanent CEO. 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," Timms said. "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. That's why we're so pleased that, after an outstanding career with Teneo, Scott has chosen to join Sunseeker permanently as CEO. He already understands our people, our products and our ambitions, and I know he will be a great leader for the company."
Millar commented on his appointment: "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. I especially want to thank Steve his exceptional work and leadership; and look forward to working together again over the coming months and years. What attracted me most to Sunseeker was the scale of opportunity ahead. 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 and excited about what we can achieve together for our customers."
Alongside Millar's appointment, Sunseeker has created four new roles within its executive team. Andy Gawthorpe becomes chief commercial officer, having held senior commercial roles including global sales director at Aston Martin and spent seven years at Triumph Motorcycles. Ian Morgan joins as chief strategy officer with close to two decades in strategic transformation programmes across the automotive and premium consumer sectors; he has already worked with the Sunseeker leadership team on the company's new superyacht strategy and growth plan. James Grove takes the role of chief information officer and will lead the digital transformation programme, arriving from senior technology positions at Chelsea FC and Southampton FC; he was named a HotTopics Global CIO 100 winner in 2026. Adrian Mardell becomes non-executive chairman after a career at Jaguar Land Rover, where he served as chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
Backed by investment from Cross Ocean Partners and Cheyne Capital, Sunseeker has started an enterprise-wide transformation covering commercial, product and operations, including a new product development plan intended to expand the range. The company plans to present its rebrand and several new product concepts at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.
Founded in 1969 and based in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker International employs around 1,900 people and builds approximately 90 yachts a year, from 55 to 134 feet, with 98% exported. The range covers 19 models and the service network reaches more than 60 countries.