The UK’s RS Marine Group has appointed Ben Willows as its new chief executive officer.
Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the marine industry with a track record of strategic development and a passion for RS boats for nearly three decades.
“It started with an RS200 at Northampton Sailing Club back in 1997,” he explained.
“I then fell hard for the RS600, did the EuroCups, and loved every minute.
“RS boats have been at the heart of my sailing journey and my family life. It feels like coming full circle.”
Ben’s career includes a transformative tenure as CEO of UKSA, maritime training and youth development charity, starting as a seasonal instructor and progressing to lead the organisation.
RS is a brand of participation.
Ben Willows
Under his leadership, UKSA has expanded its reach to more than 11,000 young people annually, combining maritime education with personal growth.
As CEO of RS Marine Group, Ben will focus on continuing the company’s growth while championing its founding ethos of innovation, community, and accessibility.
“RS is a brand of participation. Our mission is to enable access to the water through brilliant products,” he said.
“Whether it’s a six-year-old in an RS Zest, a Masters champion helming an RS21, a club using the zero-emissions RS Pulse 63, or commercial crews operating a Cheetah Marine powercat – no other builder supports that full journey like RS. That’s our superpower.”
RS Marine Group includes RS Sailing, RS Electric Boats and Cheetah Marine and has a line-up of over 30 boats, ranging from the RS Aero to the Pulse 63 and Power.
Ben will divide his time across RS Marine Group’s three primary hubs: RS Sailing in Romsey and Cowes, RS Electric Boats in Hamble, and Cheetah Marine in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
He joins managing directors Jon Partridge, Alex Newton-Southon, and Bas Edmonds.
“Jon and Alex have driven this business forward and been part of the team for over 30 years,” Ben sayid.
“My role is to build on that foundation – to structure the group for the future while staying true to what makes RS special.”
