BOOTE: Mr Müller, what are your first activities and measures after joining HanseYachts?
Andreas Müller: I am delighted to be taking on responsibility for the future of HanseYachts together with Hanjo Runde and actively developing the company further. My first step is to get to know the people who make up this company. After that, I will focus on our most important partners - personal dialogue is particularly important to me.
What do you want to change?
HanseYachts is already well positioned in its core business. I will take a close look at the business model along the entire value chain and provide new impetus where I see potential. This is not about radical changes, but about sustainable further development - based on entrepreneurial thinking and responsibility. It is also important to me to set a conscious example: There is a lot of bad talk in Germany at the moment - but there is enormous potential in our country. I believe in the strength of industrial SMEs and that we as entrepreneurs must take responsibility in order to utilise opportunities and think long-term. This is precisely why I am clearly committed to the Greifswald location: for me, this location is central to the future of HanseYachts - it has our full support and a clear perspective.
To what extent will you be involved in the operational business and how do you see your role?
I will deliberately stay out of the operational business and have great confidence in the existing management. I see my role as one of strategic development - I want to point out new perspectives and contribute ideas that will advance the company in the long term.
What points of contact have you had with motorboats and sailing boats so far?
I am passionate about travelling on the water. One of my first boats was a Sealine - today I sail a restored Colombo 32, which is very close to my heart. In the near future, a yacht from the HanseYachts Group will be moored right next to it. Sailing also gives me great pleasure - I really appreciate the diversity of both worlds and enjoy both the tranquillity of sailing and the dynamism of motorboats.
Where do you see HanseYachts in ten years? What are your medium-term goals?
I would like to further consolidate Hanse's position in the sailboat market and expand it in a targeted manner. I see considerable growth potential in the motorboat sector - especially in the USA. In addition, there are exciting business areas that we are not yet tapping into, but which are promising for the future.
The traditional Dehler brand seems to be attracting little attention at the moment. How do you intend to deal with it in the future?
Dehler is a fantastic brand with a long tradition and clear positioning in its niche. The current model range continues to sell well. Nevertheless, it is important to provide fresh impetus with new models in the medium term.
The latest line, the Ryck outboard motor boats, was launched in a declining market. How has the brand developed and what are your plans for the future?
Ryck was actually launched in a difficult market environment - and yet it was very successful, with a considerable three-digit number of units. Even if Ryck is not currently at the centre of my considerations, this success is remarkable. My focus tends to be on larger boats.
How many sailing and motor boats does Hanse currently build?
In the last financial year 23/24, there were around 500 boats.
Which model will be launched next, and which will be the first to bear your signature?
As I said, I will hold back operationally. The experienced team will make the modelling decisions. I will concentrate on strategic issues.
What plans do you have for the motorboat brands Fjord and Sealine? Are there any new models in the pipeline?
Fjord recently successfully launched two new models, the 39 and the 490. The Fjord 490 really impressed me personally. Sealine is sure to follow - the potential is there and we are working on it.
Where do you see synergies with your other companies?
A central aspect for me is thinking and acting like a medium-sized company. It's about acting in an entrepreneurial, agile and long-term manner - with a sense of proportion, responsibility and an innovative spirit. It is precisely this mindset that Müller Verwaltung brings to the table in various areas, such as digitalisation, efficient sales and organisational development - and this can help HanseYachts move forward strategically.
