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The Fountaine Pajot Group is undertaking a reorganization of its governance structure to support both the preparation for the succession of its senior management and the continuation of its development plan. This change comes as the catamaran manufacturer and owner of Dufour reports half-year revenue of 136.3 M%C2euros and continues to invest in its various business units.
A management transition that has already been planned
The most significant change involves Nicolas Gardies. As CEO for several years, he will gradually prepare to hand over his responsibilities ahead of his retirement, which is scheduled for 2027.
The Board of Directors has tasked Mathieu Fountaine, previously Deputy CEO, with overseeing this transition and continuing to implement the group?s strategy. This proactive measure aims to ensure continuity in the company?s leadership as the global recreational boating market returns to a pace closer to the levels seen before the years of strong growth.
Stéven Guedeu is taking charge of sales operations
This new organizational structure is accompanied by the appointment of Stéven Guedeu as Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
He has been with Fountaine Pajot since 2011 and has contributed to the business development of the Fountaine Pajot and Dufour brands, as well as their expansion into international markets. In his new role, he will oversee the group?s sales and marketing activities while helping to implement the growth strategy.
This development comes at a time when international distribution networks and maintaining market share are major challenges for European manufacturers of sailboats and catamarans.
An expanded executive committee to support industrial projects
The reorganization also affects the executive committee, which now consists of eight members representing the group's key functions.
Joining Nicolas Gardies, Mathieu Fountaine, and Stéven Guedeu on the board are Johan Le Saux for industrial operations, Vladimir Popov for supply chain and information systems, Betty Roger for finance, Mélanie Pouplier for human resources, and Déborah Pligot for procurement.
This structure reflects a commitment to strengthening coordination among the industrial, financial, and commercial functions as the group continues to refresh its product lines and make investments.
Romain Motteau Steps Down as Deputy CEO
This change in governance is also accompanied by Romain Motteau's departure from his position as deputy CEO.
After more than twenty years dedicated to product development and the group?s international expansion, he is working on a new project, which is set to be unveiled in the coming months. He will, however, continue to be involved in overseeing Fountaine Pajot?s international operations.
An organizational structure tailored to the group's next cycle
This new governance structure comes as Fountaine Pajot enters a pivotal period. Although the manufacturer describes the boating market as having returned to normal, the group says it is maintaining positive profitability and continuing to invest.
The priorities remain the renewal of the Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans, Fountaine Pajot Yachts, and Dufour product lines, the development of new technologies, and the energy transition. The communications department is also undergoing changes with the appointment of Jordan Sabot as Director of Communications and Digital, replacing Hélène de Fontainieu, who is stepping down after 32 years with the group.
