Stabicraft boss steps aside
Stabicraft is on the hunt for a new chief executive, as its founder Paul Adams steps aside after 33 years at the helm.
Adams co-founded the Invercargill-based company in 1987 off the back of a do-ityourself innovation in a Bluff workshop that produced the world’s first virtually unsinkable aluminium boat.
‘‘I’ve been planning my succession since late 2016,’’ Adams said.
‘‘Now is the time for a new chief executive with a special skill set, energy and passion to take Stabicraft to the next level.’’
The new chief executive would most likely come from outside the company, he said, and it could take three to nine months to find the successor.
Speaking about the state of play for business ventures in Southland, Adams said the construction and tourism sectors looked to be in a good position, but added: ‘‘We are an industrial community by nature.’’
Adams will remain with the company, moving into an ambassadorial role and focusing on design and innovation.
The company has a ‘‘few irons in the fire’’ in terms of prototypes, but Adams remained tight-lipped on any details.
‘‘We’re always working on being different – good different.’’
From its base in Invercargill, with a staff of about 130 adventure engineers, the company manufactures hundreds of boats every year.
It is supported by a global team of 33 dealerships.
The company is looking for specialised welders, and growth was ‘‘high on the list’’ in its strategic plan, Adams said.
Stabicraft’s success has been recognised in New Zealand and overseas with numerous awards including Southland exporter of the year, boat show honours and an internationally prestigious Red Dot design award.
In 2007, Adams was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business. Last year he was inducted into the illustrious Hutchwilco Hall of Fame of marine industry movers and shakers.
‘‘This is an exciting period for Stabicraft and myself. The new chief executive has a great opportunity to bring their own style to an organisation that is experiencing some serious growth,’’ Adams said.
‘‘I cannot wait to see what the next 33 years will bring.’’
‘‘Now is the time for a new chief executive with a special skill set, energy and passion to take Stabicraft to the next level.’’
Paul Adams