You are an Executive Search Consultant at Ward Howell International, which means you are looking for suitable personnel for very precisely defined job profiles within the yachting industry. Do you need a headhunter in a comparatively small industry?
Yes, there is even a great need, as it is a sui generis industry that has its very own laws. In addition, the yachting industry is a niche industry that does not generate young talent and places very high demands on job holders. This balancing act between operational and strategic responsibility and at the same time a certain degree of down-to-earthness and hands-on mentality can only be found in a few industries.
What exactly characterises this industry?
The yachting industry has the potential to develop into a trend industry. In many cases, working in yachting also means gaining quality of life. Anyone who already has a certain affinity for water sports will be pleased to be able to combine their private activities with their professional life. I would caution against thinking that you can turn your hobby into a career, but there are very good opportunities to combine private interests in water sports with professional interests in the industry. In this respect, you don't work in the yachting industry, you live in the yachting industry. Then I believe that nothing stands in the way of a promising future in this unique and fascinating industry. Incidentally, the maritime industry is also in vogue because its less formal character is very much in line with the lifestyle and values of the next generation.
That sounds almost too good to be true. What's the catch?
Of course, as everywhere else, a high level of commitment is required, and even if the yacht world takes place in the most beautiful holiday spots in the world - the construction of these exclusive properties follows purely economic aspects. Of course, you also have to realise that hardly any other industry is as cyclical as the yacht industry. Only those who already own everything - villas, cars, luxury goods - think about buying a yacht. Of course, this connection also has consequences for personnel policy. The industry is doing well at the moment, but we have also experienced other years. In times of economic downturn, it is easiest to do without maritime luxury.
What are the requirements for a career in yachting?
In order to gain a foothold in the yachting industry, I think it is particularly important to have a deep emotional enthusiasm for the subject. Yachting is full of career changers, so it is not necessary to have a maritime technical degree. A general technical or commercial degree programme is an excellent qualification for this niche industry. Younger managers in their mid-20s to 40s who are looking for an international job are currently in the best position. Hardly any other industry is so globally networked.
What is the current situation with management positions?
The industry has no recruitment problems in the area of top management. We recruit managers from other industries who have what we call "transferable skills". With an induction period that we define in advance, this person will be able to take the company forward.
Which industries are these?
The wind industry is very close to the production process of many shipyards. But we are also successfully recruiting for the yacht industry in the caravan, prefabricated house and furniture industries. And of course, at top level, it sometimes makes sense to look in the automotive industry. But you definitely can't transfer the laws of processes from the automotive industry one-to-one to yachting. Antony Sheriff from Princess Yachts is a CEO who came from the automotive sector and has achieved a lot.
Where is there a shortage of young talent at the moment?
At the technical level, there are vacancies for production managers, quality managers, product developers and project managers. However, there is also a lack of qualified sales personnel.
Can a platform like Young Professionals in Yachting help to steer young talent in the right direction?
I am absolutely convinced of this, as the association has a strong informative character and helps its members to network internationally. That is a very good basis! We as executive search consultants can then help with further orientation. In fact, we are working towards the same goal: we want to ensure that Germany remains the world market leader in mega yacht construction and that England and Italy can maintain and expand their market-leading position in the area of series production of large yachts by providing the companies involved with highly qualified personnel.
You can reach our interview partner at
Dr Achim Brühne
Personnel Consultant at Ward Howell International
Königsallee 74
40212
Düsseldorf
achim.bruehne@ward-howell.com
+49 211 8640 811
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
