Lesley Robinson OBE is to step down from her role as chief executive of British Marine this summer, following eight years in post.
Earle Stanner, current chief finance and operations officer, has been appointed as the organisation’s next chief executive, with Lesley continuing to lead the organisation over the coming months, as part of a transition plan.
Lesley joined British Marine from MDL Marinas in July 2018 and has led the organisation through a period of change and challenge.
During her tenure, she has overseen the modernisation of governance, the development of a new membership strategy and national agenda, and a series of change programmes focused on strengthening leadership capability and organisational effectiveness.
Services to the leisure marine industry
She led the association through the Covid period, including the cancellation of the Southampton International Boat Show in 2020.
Lesley has also served on the board of ICOMIA for six years as a non-executive director, most recently as treasurer.
In 2021, in recognition of her services to the leisure marine industry, Lesley was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
“It has been an honour to lead British Marine through such a significant period, supporting our members with the help they need and the wider industry through challenging times,” said Lesley.
“For example, through lobbying on their behalf, providing training programmes and new career pathways to upskill their teams and evolving the UK’s key annual boat show to attract newcomers into the industry as well as providing a significant selling platform to exhibitors has been immensely rewarding.”
It has been an honour to lead British Marine through such a significant period.
Lesley Robinson
She added: “I have also loved putting in place new partnerships such as that with ABYA for our brokers or with other sectors such as the caravanning sector, to continually evolve how we best serve our members.”
Following her departure as CEO, Lesley will continue to support British Marine in a part-time consultancy capacity.
“Lesley has made a significant and lasting contribution to British Marine by taking areas of member focus/needs and turning them into positive contributions,” said Matthew Beckwith, chair at British Marine.
“For example the growth of apprenticeships and end point assessments, the expansion of training into a strong and respected capability within the industry and the continued evolution and success of both the Southampton International Boat Show and Women In Marine events, and also the successful letting of Marine House are all lasting achievements.
Consultancy commitment
“In my view the multiple royal visits to the show over recent years are perhaps the clearest external endorsement that British Marine has been doing many things right.”
He added: “Her leadership has strengthened the organisation’s capability, credibility and influence, both nationally and internationally, and leaves British Marine well positioned for its next phase.
“I am grateful that Lesley will continue to lead the organisation during the transition and for her consultancy commitment thereafter to further support Earle and the board.
“The board is confident in Earle’s appointment and in the continuity this transition provides.”
