Written by MaryAnne Edwards, GMBA Australia and New Zealand

Simpson Marine has made a significant splash by appointing Joachim Howard as the Country Manager Australia for the esteemed Sanlorenzo and Bluegame brands. Jo, well-known within the industry, is no stranger to the opulent world of superyachts. Jo returned to Australia in 2006 from Europe, holding Australian Class 4 and MCA 500GT Certificates and holding senior positions on superyachts. Back on home soil, Jo worked as an agent for several key international brands before establishing Ocean Alliance in 2011. Having amassed a treasure trove of experience in the global superyacht industry, Jo is the perfect appointment for this role.

 

Jo’s background is a tapestry woven with luxury lifestyle, a fervent passion for yachting, and substantial know-how in charter and yacht brokerage and sales. His intimate knowledge of the Australian superyacht market and a keen understanding of what Australian clients desire positions him perfectly to helm the Sanlorenzo ship in Australia. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction align seamlessly with the ethos of Simpson Marine and Sanlorenzo.

 

Sanlorenzo prides itself on creating yachts that transcend trends, focusing solely on the bespoke needs of its clients. Each yacht is a unique masterpiece, blending the customer’s personal style with Sanlorenzo’s uncompromising quality standards. Jo’s appointment is a testament to this philosophy, as his career has been built on understanding and exceeding customer expectations.

 

In addition to his professional prowess, Jo’s deep-rooted connections within the Australian superyacht community further solidify this strategic move. His involvement with Superyacht Australia and his role in the working group for changes to the Australian charter regulations that have bolstered the Australian superyacht sector highlight his contributions to the industry’s growth.

 

When asked by GMBA what drew Jo to this position, he commented:

“The brand positioning of Sanlorenzo is indisputable. Combined with the success of Simpson Marine and the group’s commitment to the region, it was a very attractive combination.”

 

Simpson Marine, through this appointment, underscores their dedication to fostering meaningful relationships within the Australian yachting community. By investing in someone who lives and breathes the local culture and market, they’re enhancing their brand reputation and building trust and loyalty. GMBA asked Jo what he believed the potential was for the Sanlorenzo brand in Australia. Jo commented, “The potential to grow and support the brand is clear. A factory-owned office in Sydney represents a strong vision to build on the mature yachting culture in Australia and support existing Sanlorenzo owners, and I am excited to be part of it.”

Richard Allen - Simpson Marine
Richard Allen, Simpson Marine

Richard Allen, Chief Operating Officer of Simpson Marine Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “Australia represents a significant opportunity for Sanlorenzo. Its stunning coastline, vibrant yachting community, and steadily increasing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) make it an ideal hub for the brand, with several Sanlorenzo yachts already based in the country. There are 423 superyachts above 30 metres owned in the Asia-Pacific region, with 34% of them located in Australia and 5% in New Zealand. This is significantly more than the second-largest market represented by Hong Kong at 22%. These numbers, along with a strong boating pedigree and yachting culture in Australia, give us confidence in the growth of Sanlorenzo in Australia and neighbouring New Zealand.”

The decision to bring Jo on board as Simpson Marine’s representative in Australia is a brilliant manoeuvre. With his expertise and local insight, Sanlorenzo is poised to resonate deeply with the Australian audience, driving interest and sales. This move highlights the paramount importance of understanding and engaging with the local community to thrive in the luxury yachting industry.

Maryanne Edwards, GMBA Australia / New Zealand

Tel: +61 41 291 6036
Email: medwards@gmba.blue


Disclaimer: Global Marine Business Advisors is a registered legal entity and is a network of independent marine industry advisors. In all articles the opinions expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect those of GMBA.