NMMA Canada has inducted industry veteran Jean-François Rioux into the NMMA Canada Hall of Fame.
Rioux, senior vice president of sales, marketing and customer experience at Yamaha Canada, was recognised during the NMMA Canada State of the Industry Breakfast at the Toronto International Boat Show.
Rioux’s career in the recreational boating industry spans more than three decades, having joined Yamaha in 1995, following his early career as a technician at a Yamaha dealership in Rimouski, Quebec.
Rioux quickly built a reputation for technical expertise and leadership, working across technical support, factory liaison roles and marine product management.
JF’s career reflects the very best of our industry, built on technical excellence, leadership and a genuine passion for boating.
Marie-France MacKinnon
His operational background led to him overseeing Yamaha’s marine sales business across Canada, where he worked with global affiliates to support dealers and customers nationwide.
In 2022, Rioux assumed his current senior leadership role, leading the business across all product lines and overseeing sales, marketing and aftersales operations.
Throughout his career, Rioux has been recognised for his collaborative leadership style, extensive industry knowledge and commitment to strengthening the Canadian marine marketplace.
Growth of recreational boating across Canada
“JF’s career reflects the very best of our industry, built on technical excellence, leadership and a genuine passion for boating,” said Marie-France MacKinnon, executive director of NMMA Canada.
“His contributions over the past 30 years, including his ten-year service on the NMMA Canada board of directors and as board chair, have helped advance our industry and support the continued growth of recreational boating across Canada.”
The NMMA Canada Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognises individuals who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry.
