Lex Raas, president of Aquila Power Catamarans at MarineMax is to retire from his role and transition to an executive advisor role with Aquila.
Lex’s career spans more than five decades in the marine industry, during which he has demonstrated an ability to identify emerging market opportunities and transform industry segments.
His leadership has been instrumental in helping to shape the modern catamaran market, from his work with sailing catamarans at The Moorings and Leopard Catamarans to his development of the power catamaran segment with Aquila.
Raas began his marine industry journey in South Africa, where his passion for multihull design first emerged.
Building Aquila from concept to global leadership has been the most rewarding chapter of my career.
Lex Raas
After gaining experience with Beneteau in France and the United States, he joined The Moorings in 1994 as director of logistics, rising through the ranks to become CEO in 2001.
During his tenure at The Moorings, Lex recognised the untapped potential of sailing catamarans for Caribbean charter operations.
In what become a defining moment for the industry, Lex partnered with South African boatbuilders John Robertson and Jerry Caine to create the Leopard catamaran brand.
In 2012, Lex joined MarineMax as president of charter and special initiatives, where he partnered with then-CEO Bill McGill and the Xiong family of Sino Eagle Group to launch Aquila Power Catamarans.
Leader in power catamarans
Starting literally from ‘a scrap of paper’ as Lex described it, the team built Aquila into a leader in power catamarans within ten years.
In his advisory role Lex will work with the next generation of leadership, including his sons Jean Raas, CEO and chief product officer of Aquila USA, and Alain Raas, global brand manager.
“Lex’s partnership has been instrumental in building our manufacturing capabilities and establishing Aquila as the premier power catamaran brand globally,” said Frank Xiong, representing the Sino Eagle Group.
Rewarding chapter
“His continued involvement as executive advisor ensures that the innovation and excellence he has championed will continue to drive Aquila forward.”
Lex added: “Building Aquila from concept to global leadership has been the most rewarding chapter of my career.
“The foundation we’ve established, the team we’ve built, and the partnerships we’ve forged position Aquila for continued success.
“I’m excited to continue contributing to the brand’s future in this new capacity while also having more time to enjoy the very lifestyle that our boats help create for our customers.”
Aquila Power Catamarans offers a range of vessels from 28 to 70ft built in Sino Eagle Group’s facilities in Hangzhou, China.
