Ashley Highfield, CEO of Oyster Yachts, is to stand down after seven years with the company.
He will leave the business in autumn 2025 after handing over to the new CEO, who comes from the marine manufacturing industry.
Ashley will continue in an advisory capacity thereafter to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Oyster Yachts announce the new CEO in the coming weeks.
Ashley joined Oyster first as executive chairman before being appointed as CEO.
In his first year as CEO, he halved the boatbuilder’s losses and has since returned the company to profitable trading during the 2025 financial year.
I am eternally grateful for Ashley’s leadership, direction and support.
Richard Hadida
Under Ashley’s leadership, Oyster recently announced a suite of new bespoke concierge services – plus a new 80ft superyacht-inspired cruiser.
Oyster Yachts owner, Richard Hadida, will continue as chairman, concentrating on new product development, branding, marketing and oversight of the board.
“I am eternally grateful for Ashley’s leadership, direction and support on our voyage to turn Oyster around,” said Richard.
“We have been closely working together on the successful growth of topline revenues and brand.
“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.”
Robust financial health
Richard continued: “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.
Unique strengths
“I look forward to welcoming our new CEO who can take the business forward to the end of this decade and beyond.”
Ashley added: “It has been an honour to serve as chair and CEO of this great British company for the past seven years and really get to know the team – the brilliant craftsmen and women, the passionate project managers, commissioning, warranty and service teams, and the hugely knowledgeable marketing and sales teams.
“It’s these folk, as much as the yachts themselves, that are Oyster’s unique strengths, as many owners consistently take the time to tell me. The opportunities for them and the Oyster brand going forward are enormous.”
And he explained that the new CEO will be able to take Oyster forward with the comany trading profitably and with a strong order book and fresh line-up of models and services.
“We have a very clear vision for Oyster, and it will continue to deliver the very best, British-built, luxury cruising yachts in the world while ensuring that we run a sustainable and profitable business,” Ashley concluded.
