Pewaukee, WI – Robbie Young has been named Managing Director of Harken New Zealand. Young, who previously led the development and operation of Harken’s hydraulics business internationally, replaces Harken New Zealand Managing Director, Garry Lock, who will continue his involvement in an advisory capacity. The transition will be effective November 28, 2016.
George Clark, the current Commercial Manager of Harken New Zealand, has been appointed Vice-Managing Director of the New Zealand arm of Harken.
Young, 54, grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana in a multi-generational boat-building family. His sailing experience includes four America’s Cup campaigns: Courageous 1983, America II 1987, Stars and Stripes 2000, and BMW Oracle Racing in 2003. He was on the shore team for Paul Cayard’s Pirates of the Caribbean in the 2005 – 06 Volvo Ocean Race. He first lived in Auckland from 1999 to 2006, through two New Zealand defenses of the America’s Cup. Young has a 24-year-old daughter and a 22-year-old son. He is married to a Kiwi, Maria Ryan-Young.
Robbie Young said, “This is a very exciting time at Harken New Zealand. We’re uniquely positioned to serve both New Zealand’s enviable custom marine products industry, the needs of our sailor’s country-wide, and a growing number of companies who buy our industrial products for non-marine applications. We’ve built a very strong team with the knowledge to consult, and the attitude to really serve. I look forward to adding my experience and history in developing businesses within Harken to our group.”
George Clark, the new Vice-Managing Director has been with Harken New Zealand for nine years Previously, he owned and managed New Zealand marine outlets for more than 23 years. A life-long sailor, Clark is a native of Auckland. He and his wife, Judy, have two sons, Nic 21 and Chad, 18.
Garry Lock became Managing Director when Harken purchased Foster’s Ship Chandlery in 2006 and since then has successfully grown the business. He is moving to a part time consultative role with Harken New Zealand and available to assist in ongoing development.
About Harken: Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative sailboat hardware and industrial products. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Its network includes offices in 48 countries, with group offices located in Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States (Rhode Island, California, and Florida).
About Harken New Zealand: An independent Harken distributor since 1978, Harken acquired A. Foster & Company in 2006 as the company’s newest sales and service office in the Pacific region. This energetic group, now 10 strong, has been responsible for so much of Harken’s growth and international success: the first carbon winches aboard 1995 AC winner New Zealand Black Magic, Harken hardware, furling, and winch systems aboard superyachts and offshore racers from New Zealand’s famous yards, and strong, lightweight pulley systems for the smallest dinghies. All topped off by the renowned customer and technical service Harken is known for.
This is good post. Really pepped me up.
Robbie has been an example for the young generation by the decision he has been able to take at this part of the age. This deal could get their company on the top at once.
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