Oyster Yachts CEO, Ashley Highfield, is stepping down after seven successful years.

He joined the Southampton-based company as executive chairman and later became CEO.

Ashley will leave the business in the autumn, after overseeing the handover to a new CEO from the marine manufacturing industry.

He will then continue in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.

During his tenure, Ashley managed to halve the company's losses in his first year as CEO, and recently returned the company to profitable trading.

He also led the launch of a range of new bespoke concierge services and an 80-foot superyacht-inspired cruiser.

Company owner, Richard Hadida, will remain as chairman and focus on new product development, branding, marketing and board oversight.

Richard said: "I am eternally grateful for Ashley’s leadership, direction and support on our voyage to turn Oyster around.

"We agreed he would take over as CEO for a finite three-year period, with a mission to re-establish Oyster as a pre-eminent brand in the luxury sailing yacht market.

"I am happy to say that job is done. Ashley leaves Oyster in robust financial health.

"After achieving record sales this year just finished, we’re looking at posting our first EBITDA positive year which is fantastic.

"With a strong order book for 2025 and into 2026 we are set up for a sustainably profitable future, ensuring we can continue to invest in new facilities, product development and customer care.

"His innovative thinking and leadership have given us the new 805, the updated 595 Series 2, a full Oyster World Rally 2026, and a new suite of services, including the Oyster Explorers Club.

"It is all part of our longer-term journey from a pure yacht manufacturer to a brand which delivers dreams and adventures."

Ashley said: "It has been an honour to serve as chair and CEO of this great British company for the past seven years.

"With the business trading profitably, backed by a strong order book and impressive fresh line-up of models and services, I will hand over the helm in the autumn to a new CEO."