Horizon Yachts Embraces New Era in Australia & New Zealand

Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce that it will assume operations of Horizon Motor Yachts Australia (HMYA) and restructure business dealings in Australia and New Zealand to align with Horizon’s overall global business structure. For the last ten years, the HMYA dealership has contributed to the evolution of the company’s brand in Australia and New Zealand and has solidified its place as a top yacht brand in the region. The restructure aims to continue the synergy of the Horizon owner experience worldwide through service, support, communication and branding.

Mark Western, who has been with Horizon for 13 years, will remain manager of Horizon Yacht Australia and Erica Rae, who has been with Horizon for eight years, will continue as Executive Assistant. Also, Tony Jones, the new National Sales Manager, will join Mark and Erica. He will head up the regional sales team, devising strategy and liaising with Horizon HQ. Starting out as a marine engineer on the Gold Coast, Tony acquired his solid practical and commercial knowledge working with two of the largest boat manufacturers in Australia. He is excited to be joining a young, determined team and contributing to the company’s next step.

“We are extremely grateful and proud of the efforts of the HMYA team led by the former owners, Gary and Janette Wahlstedt,” said Horizon Group CEO John Lu. “Mark Western is passionate about our brand and our business, and we have great confidence that with the resources and strength of Horizon HQ, he and his team will build on these achievements and propel Horizon into new opportunities going forward.”

Horizon’s new plans include:

• To upgrade the service and support offered to owners in the region through the additional resources of the 1,000+ factory-backed staff and support
• To expand the owner experience in Australia and New Zealand through owners’ rendezvous, events, and showcasing more new models at the Australian boat shows
• To broadly convey Horizon’s experience and expertise in building superyachts to the Australian market through outreach and communications
• To continue the expansion of the Horizon model line by introducing series that will appeal directly to the Australian market

At the 2018 Sydney International Boat Show, Mr. Western and Ms. Rae will be joined by Austin Lin, the president of Vision, as they welcome guests to the Australian launch of the much-anticipated V81 luxury motoryacht. At 24.72m, the V81 has evolved from the popular V72 model, and will be among the largest in-water vessels showcased at the show. The ever-popular Horizon E94 motor yacht will also be on display.

“We plan to focus on increasing Horizon’s profile in our region during the second half of 2018,” said Mr. Western. “We are looking forward to exciting times ahead for the brand, the business, and the profile of Horizon in Australia.”

Group CEO John Lu is scheduled to visit Australia for the official “reunification” event later in the year, coinciding with the delivery of two FD85 fast displacement motor yachts – another milestone for the Australian dealership.

For more information on the new V81 and E94 luxury motoryachts, or to make a viewing appointment at the Sydney International Boat Show, please contact Horizon Yacht Australia at +61-7-5577-9009 or [email protected].