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Spirit Yachts announces new management team

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spirit yachts ceo

spirit yachts ceo

Spirit Yachts reveals new owners and management team

spirit yachts ceo

GAIA, Sail n: , Nationality: SWE, Length: ”30,62”, Class: B, Designer: Spirit Yachts, Builder: Spirit Yachts Day 1

Sailing superyacht builder, Spirit Yachts has revealed a new ownership structure and management team.  Company co-founder, Sean McMillan, has stepped down as CEO with a group of Spirit Yacht owners taking majority ownership of the UK-based shipyard.

McMillan will continue at the firm with the role of consultant designer and brand ambassador. The company will continue to be run by its MD, Karen Underwood. She will be assisted by a newly-appointed production and design director and Spirit Yachts’ marketing director, Helen Porter.

“Sean has instilled his creativity and vision into the DNA of the business,” said Underwood. “ From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside to multiple award wins, yachts in two Bond films and over 80 bespoke yachts located worldwide, Spirit Yachts is a unique success story that continues to push the boundaries .”

The Suffolk-based shipyard was founded in 1993 by McMillan and Mick Newman, who originally set out to offer yacht owners a “ sustainably-sourced alternative” to fibreglass production boats.  The firm said that this remains at the core of the company’s ethos today.

McMillan will now continue to be closely involved in the design of Spirit Yacht’s custom yachts alongside designer Tom Smith. According to the firm, the new owners have committed significant capital to strengthen future business growth.

Spirit Yachts is known for building sailing superyachts up to 30.5m (100ft). A 2007 Spirit 100 yacht (pictured) is currently on sale with McMaster yachts for a cool €2.95m.

Underwood noted that the challenges of supply chain hurdles, staff shortages and the need to remain agile in the face of global events are greater than they have ever been. “But our commitment to quality, beauty and lowering the carbon footprint of our yachts remains at the heart of Spirit Yachts,” she said.

“With a full yard, a strong sales pipeline, and secure investment, the team and I are well-equipped to deliver a prosperous future.”

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Spirit Yachts announces new ownership structure and management change

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Written by: Marine Industry News

Spirity Yachts new ownership group. People in factory

Yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure. Following its original founder Sean McMillan taking a step back from his CEO role to become a consultant designer and brand ambassador, Spirit Yachts is now majority-owned by a group of Spirit yacht owners, who have committed significant capital to strengthen future business growth.

The company continues to be run by its existing managing director Karen Underwood , who is supported by strong design, production, and sales teams. Underwood will be assisted by a newly appointed production & design director and Spirit Yachts ’ marketing director, Helen Porter, who has raised the profile of the company for the past eight years.

Sean McMillan, Karen Underwood, Mike Taylor Spirit Yachts

Sean McMillan [pictured far left, with Karen Underwood and Mike Taylor] will continue to be closely involved in the design of Spirit’s custom yachts working alongside Spirit’s award-winning designer Tom Smith, and the company’s in-house team of designers and naval architects.

Underwood says: “Since Spirit Yachts was founded 30 years ago, Sean has instilled his creativity and vision into the DNA of the business. From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside to multiple award wins, yachts in two Bond films, and over 80 bespoke yachts located worldwide, Spirit Yachts is a unique success story that continues to push the boundaries.

Spirit Yachts 44E

“Today, the challenges are greater with supply chain hurdles, staff shortages, and the need to remain agile in the face of global events, but our commitment to quality, beauty, and lowering the carbon footprint of our yachts remains at the heart of Spirit Yachts. With a full yard, a strong sales pipeline, and secure investment, the team and I are well-equipped to deliver a prosperous future.”

In 1993, Suffolk-based Spirit Yachts was founded by Sean McMillan and Mick Newman, who set out to offer yacht owners a beautiful, unique, and sustainably sourced alternative to fibreglass production boats. This goal remains at the core of the company’s ethos today.

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Spirit Yachts will now be run by Karen Underwood after former CEO Sean McMillan stepped down in February

Karen Underwood on the future of Spirit Yachts as new CEO

Last week it was announced that Spirit Yachts would be led by existing managing director Karen Underwood , while founding CEO Sean McMillan moves away from the role to act as a brand ambassador and consulting designer for the British yard. It was also revealed that Spirit Yachts received a significant injection of capital from a new majority group of owners, positioning the company for growth on the back of its 30th-anniversary milestone. BoatPro News caught up with Underwood to learn more about what the future holds for Spirit Yachts as she prepares to lead the iconic sailing yacht builder into a new era.

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Take A Closer Look At Bond’s Spirit Yacht

The second spirit yacht to appear in a 007 film.

Posted October 4, 2021 by AI

It all started when a Spirit 54 yacht was chosen for Bond to sail in Casino Royale . Handmade by British boatbuilders, Spirit Yachts, the Spirit 54 was used for Bond and Vesper’s memorable arrival in Venice before the film’s dramatic climax.

Sean McMillan, Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design, tells us how their 007 story continued when a call came in from the No Time To Die production team. The crew were looking for the right vessel for Bond to enjoy as part of his life away from active service in the tranquility of Jamaica. Together they settled on a Spirit 46 sailing yacht.

Sean tells us, “The Spirit 46 is one of the original Spirit Yachts designs and is an example of the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each of our yachts. It suits the Bond character very well because of the combination of beauty and practicality.

Inspired by the elegant sailing yachts of the 1930s, the Spirit 46 has a modern classic design with long overhangs, flush decks and an elegant profile. Capable of up to 18 knots speed, the vessel looks good on the water and has the sailing performance of a regatta racing yacht. The day sailing yacht will take you on short trips or around the world at a moment’s notice – making it the perfect boat for Bond.

The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand.”

Each Spirit yacht is built to order by a team of world-class craftsmen and women in the company’s waterside headquarters in Suffolk, UK. Every vessel is tailored to suit its owner’s criteria, making each one completely unique.

Find out more here .

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The story of Spirit Yachts, the best wooden-hulled boats in the world

The story of Spirit Yachts, the best wooden-hulled boats in the world

As they sail from strength to strength, spirit yachts remain world-leaders in wooden boat-building....

Words: Jonathan Wells

Photography: Tom Bunning

Hammers ring out. Welding torches crackle. Drills whine through wood. And yet, Sean McMillan – CEO, head designer and founder of Spirit Yachts , talks through the noise. Standing atop a raised platform at one end of the Ipswich boatyard, he smiles. “This is our empire!”

The reclaimed warehouse where Spirit’s 40-strong workforce craft the world’s best wooden-hulled boats was once used to industrially store flour. Every time you knocked a beam, McMillan tells me, a shower of flour would fall from the ceiling. Today, it is clouds of sawdust that fill the space, thrown into the air by tools manual and electric.

spirit yachts ceo

The boatyard is buzzing with activity. A large mezzanine platform in the centre of the space allows the workers to nimbly navigate the sprawling network of scaffolded walkways that connect Spirit’s three ongoing projects. The largest of these, the beginnings of a 111-foot sailing yacht, sits upturned in the centre of the floor like a vast wooden skeleton – and is destined to become the brand’s biggest build to date.

“This is our empire!”

“Planking will begin within two weeks,’ McMillan says, pointing at the ring frame. “And then, after that, we’ll fix two levels of diagonal veneers on top to form an armour of sorts. Let’s go take a look.”

With that, McMillan heads down a steel staircase onto the floor of the boatyard, still showcasing the enthusiasm of the man who launched Spirit decades ago.

In the mid-eighties, the boat-builder worked in advertising, starting a graphic design studio in Spain. But upon realising he hated the industry, McMillan moved back to Britain to build boats. He braved the storm of the early-nineties recession, and then set up a small business in the Suffolk town of Saxmundham. It was here that the first Spirit yacht was born.

spirit yachts ceo

“I think it was the winter of ’92,” says McMillan, skirting around a steel frame on the floor, “and it was so incredibly cold that rather than boat-building, we sat in our office drinking coffee to keep warm. And we started talking about our ideal boat. Long, thin, easily-driven, rakish and supremely elegant. And we talked and talked and talked about this boat until, one day, I called up and said: ‘I’m not coming in today. I’m going to stay at home and draw this boat’.”

These designs inspired the duo, and soon the boat was built. Incredibly beautiful and meticulously wrought, the first Spirit made waves at the 1994 Dusseldorf boat show, where two were sold and the brand established itself. In the two decades since, many vessels have been handcrafted – and the boatmakers are now on number 66.

spirit yachts ceo

As we pass the workers on the floor, McMillan gestures at the various joiners and engineering experts. “The team we’ve got now has taken those 20 years to build, and we get applications from all over the world. As we’re unchallenged at what we do, there are workers from Italy to Chile in here – and we’re still yet to advertise for a job in a quarter-century.”

The community spirit of Spirit is clear. The craftsmen work diligently, but still chat and joke – even as they crane a huge engine into a 70-foot motor yacht. Tea flows, laughter is heard above the hum of the machines and a broken tape measure lays discarded on the floor – ‘knackered’ scrawled casually across it in marker pen.

A Spirit Yacht takes around a year to make from the design to build stage. The smallest of the three current projects, a 63-foot boat, sits at the front of the warehouse. McMillan climbs aboard, and invites me to follow him through a hatch in the as-yet unvarnished deck.

spirit yachts ceo

“You can see here,” the boat-builder says once we’re inside, “just how good our craftsmen are. If our joiners know there has to be a cupboard here or a vanity table there, they’ll just build it how they feel – and that way we get unique and beautiful designs. The design ethos of many builders today is to get as much into a marina berth as possible, but we’re the opposite. We start from the outside, and then work in.

“Just look at an Aston Martin. It’s only got two seats and there’s no room for your golf clubs, but who gives a damn? Look at it.”

The Aston analogy is more than fitting. In the 2006 film Casino Royale , Daniel Craig’s superspy not only drove a DBS, but he also sailed a Spirit yacht – the first sailboat to venture down Venice’s Grand Canal in over 300 years.

spirit yachts ceo

“There are many trades where you work with your hands,” says McMillan. “But, because every boat we build is different, in effect we’re prototyping the entire time, problem-solving and building simultaneously. So it’s not only a very skilled workforce, but also a very intelligent one.”

Spirit’s customers are similarly forward-thinking. As we explore the frame of the biggest build, McMillan explains that the owner wants an electric drive system, to be as ecologically-friendly as possible.

"It’s not only a very skilled workforce, but also a very intelligent one..."

“Wooden yachts in general are the only genuinely ecologically-sound way of building a boat,” says the yacht-builder.

“Our sails are recyclable, we never overengine the boats and we even deck them out with eco-friendly appliances. Because the customers really do care – they turn up in Teslas. We had to install a Tesla charging point outside because so many have electric cars.”

But, with all the pioneering technology and eco-friendly firsts, it’s important to ensure reliability. And Spirit are so confident in their craft that, to reassure their client base, they’ve taken a bold move.

spirit yachts ceo

“We don’t have a warranty department here. Because things rarely go wrong. If they do, the calls come through straight to the management team – but that hardly ever happens.”

Spirit Yachts, then, are not only beautifully-crafted, but they’re eco-friendly, a pleasure to sail and hold their value as well. McMillan climbs back to his vantage point and turns, once again surveying his empire.

“There are very few manufacturers who can say that.”

Have we whetted your yachting appetite? Step aboard the superyacht Tom Cruise has chartered for the summer …

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8th September 2021

James Bond's recent boatmaker of choice returns for No Time To Die

  By MI6 Staff

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English boatmaker Spirit Yachts has announced a partnership for 'No Time To Die' sees a Spirit 46 sailing yacht feature in the upcoming film.  The Suffolk-based company’s relationship with James Bond began when a Spirit 54 yacht was chosen to feature in the 2006 film Casino Royale, in which James Bond and Vesper Lynd can be seen cruising into Venice.

Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, “The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand.” In the forthcoming film, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, where a Spirit 46 sailing yacht is featured.

spirit yachts ceo

Sean McMillan continued, “The Spirit 46 is one of the original Spirit Yachts designs and is an example of the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every Spirit yacht.  I think the yacht suits the Bond character very well because of the combination of beauty and practicality.”

spirit yachts ceo

A true modern classic yacht, the Spirit 46 showcases long overhangs, flush decks, and an elegant profile.  A day sailing yacht capable of up to 18knots sailing speed, the Spirit 46 looks beautiful on the water and has the sailing performance of a regatta racing yacht.

spirit yachts ceo

Inspired by the classic, elegant sailing yachts from the 1930s, all Spirit yachts are custom-designed and built to order by a team of world-class craftsmen and women in Spirit’s waterside headquarters in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK. Whilst Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of existing designs from day sailors to superyachts, each yacht is tailored to suit an owner’s criteria meaning every Spirit yacht is completely unique.

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When you purchase through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. read more., advertisement, official: spirit 46 yacht featured in no time to die.

We already spotted the Spirit Yacht in the early No Time To Die trailers, but now the partnership is officially announced between Spirit and EON Productions, Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) and Universal Pictures International.

Spirit 46 Yacht featured in No Time To Die James Bond

James Bond sailing his Spirit 46 yacht in No Time To Die © 2021 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved

The latest partnership sees a Spirit 46 sailing yacht feature in  No Time To Die . In the film, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica where the Spirit 46 sailing yacht is featured.

Spirit 46 Yacht featured in No Time To Die James Bond jamaica james bond

Bond walking on a dock with the Spirit 46 yacht in the background in No Time To Die © 2021 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved

Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, “The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand. The Spirit 46 is one of the original Spirit Yachts designs and is an example of the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every Spirit yacht. I think the yacht suits the Bond character very well because of the combination of beauty and practicality.”

A true modern classic yacht, the Spirit 46 showcases long overhangs, flush decks and an elegant profile. A day sailing yacht capable of up to 18knots sailing speed, the Spirit 46 looks beautiful on the water and has the sailing performance of a regatta racing yacht.

Spirit 46 Yacht featured in No Time To Die James Bond airplane waterplane

Spirit 46 yacht and a waterplane in No Time To Die © 2021 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved

Inspired by the classic, elegant sailing yachts from the 1930s, all Spirit yachts are custom-designed and built to order by a team of world-class craftsmen and women in Spirit’s waterside headquarters in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK.

With long overhangs, flush decks and a sleek waterline profile, the Spirit 46 displays all the design characteristics of a timeless modern classic yacht. Hand-crafted using sustainable timber and with accommodation for up to four people, the Spirit 46 is a popular choice for owners looking for a performance racing yacht, a simply laid-out coastal cruiser or a combination of the two. With an efficient sail plan and a flat run aft, the Spirit 46 is capable of planing speeds up to 18 knots.

Spirit 46 Yacht featured in No Time To Die James Bond filming jamaica

No Time To Die filming in Jamaica © 2021 Danjaq, LLC and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved

Whilst Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of existing designs from day sailors to superyachts, each yacht is tailored to suit an owner’s criteria meaning every Spirit yacht is completely unique.

Spirit Yachts’ partnership with EON Productions on the James Bond films began when a Spirit 54 was chosen to feature in the 2006 film Casino Royale .

Spirit Yacht featured in No Time To Die James Bond venice casino royale

Bond and Vesper sailing into Venice on a Spirit Yacht in Casino Royale © 2006 Danjaq, LLC & United Artists Corporation

Casino Royale features a memorable scene with James Bond and Vesper Lynd cruising into Venice onboard a Spirit 54 Yacht. Having been handcrafted by Spirit Yachts’ skilled team of boat-builders in Suffolk, the yacht (a 54 foot design named Spirit) was shipped to the Bahamas for filming. From there, Spirit Yachts sailed her to Puerto Rico and through the British Virgin Islands for filming. After shooting scenes in the Caribbean, the yacht was shipped to Croatia and sailed on to Venice. During filming in Venice, the yacht’s rig was taken in and out a total of 10 times to fit under multiple canal bridges. She was the first sailing yacht to go up the Grand Canal in 300 years.

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spirit yachts ceo

Suffolk-based Spirit Yachts set to star in BBC ‘We Are England’

Spirit Yachts

Leading yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts will be the focus of a BBC documentary titled Making Waves: Building Boats airing on BBC One East on Friday 11 th November at 7.30pm.

As part of the wider BBC series ‘We Are England’, the programme tells the story of Ipswich-based Spirit Yachts; from its beginnings in a humble cow shed to the award-winning modern classic yachts being launched by the company today.

The series has a sustainability theme running throughout, highlighting companies lowering the carbon footprint of their products.  Spirit Yachts has won several awards for its environmental innovation and initiatives, which are explored in the documentary.

Spirit Yachts’ founder and CEO Sean McMillan commented, “We are looking forward to watching the programme as a team this evening; this is a proud moment for all of us.  The creation of a Spirit yacht is down to an extremely talented group of individuals working together to design and build a person’s dream.  The documentary will open our doors to the public to share an insight into how we create each one of our custom wooden yachts.”

Karen Underwood, Spirit Yachts’ Managing Director, added, “With COP27 highlighting the need for global climate action, we are proud to be part of a series championing British companies lowering the carbon footprint of their products.”

The documentary will feature another Suffolk-based firm, OneSails GBR (East).  Based on the River Orwell at Levington, OneSails has been Spirit Yachts’ sailmaker partner since Spirit Yachts was founded in 1993.

Owner of the OneSails GBR (East) sail loft John Parker added, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be included in the documentary alongside a great British brand like Spirit Yachts.  Even if you are not a sailor, the craftsmanship, technology, and expertise that go into making a Spirit yacht and her sails are truly fascinating.”

Making Waves: Building Boats will show on BBC One at 7.30pm on Friday 11 th November.  The programme will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer during and after it is aired.

www.spirityachts.com

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One haute yacht, the spirit bartech f35 owns speed, style, and control.

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The Spirit Yachts BARTech F35's stylish design dovetails classic lines with modern technology, ... [+] flying on foils while taking on the appearance of a golden era film star.

BAR Technologies and Spirit Yachts dovetailed talent and expertise to deliver a chic luxury launch in May of 2023, the Spirit BARTech F35 . With a gleaming mahogany skin and a nostalgic profile taking inspiration from the Rum Runners of the 1920s, the F35 is a distinctive, scene-stealing craft.

The first fully electric yacht to own a 100 nautical mile range, the F35 flies on foils while powering ahead at what is described as thrilling speed, courtesy of its electric motor and battery system. The yacht set a speed record for the circumnavigation around the Isle of Wight for electric vessels, slashing the existing best time from six hours to just one hour and 56 minutes.

The Spirit Yachts F35 is all about BAR Technologies' foiling design, offering a high level of speed, ... [+] control, and stability.

UK firm BAR Technologies , branched from Ben Ainslee Racing, employs advanced strategies and innovations to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions in answer to client requests. Using Artificial Intelligence, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Design Optimization, Finite Element Analysis, Performance Analysis, and expertise gained from America's Cup designs, BAR Technologies appears at the forefront of engineering for leisure craft as well as commercial vessels and work boats, delivering systems that are sustainable with an emphasis on exceptional results.

Ipswich, Suffolk, UK-based Spirit Yachts is known for precision woodworking and classic yacht design placing an emphasis on sustainable methods and materials. Universally recognized for a high quality aesthetic and functional purpose, Spirit Yachts builds custom wooden motor and sailing yachts. They are experts in creating everything from day sailors and performance racing yachts to blue water cruisers. And, as they point out on their website, occasionally the owner's brief requesting the design embraces all three.

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A chic instrument panel and innovative design with removable panels make the Spirit Yachts BARTech ... [+] F35 a versatile choice, going from a two person spider to a six person entertainer.

Already an owner of a Spirit 111 sailing yacht , the owner of the first F35 wrote a brief that requested a suitable launch to complement the existing yacht. Additionally, the owner requested that the launch be highly efficient, sustainable, and display a classic aesthetic. All squarely within Spirit Yachts' wheelhouse, so to speak, the design process began.

The successful completion resulted in a vessel inspired by sleek Rum Runners of decades past, fitted with BAR Technologies patented fully foiling design that lifts the boat entirely out of the water. Pairing nostalgic good looks with top-of-industry technology, the F35 offers an exclusive, sophisticated, comfortable ride.

Aft cowling panels lift off to reveal additional seating for three and a table, giving the Spirit ... [+] Yachts BARTech F35 a wider range of possibilities.

F35 By The Numbers

A luxury, 35-foot, fully electric foiling launch, the Spirit Yachts BARTech F35 is constructed of carbon skinned cedar planked mahogany veneer. Classing styling disguises the electric propulsion provided by the 24 V battery system, driving the F35 to a top speed of 30 knots, with a cruise speed of 22 knots and a 100 nautical mile range at 20 knots. A coachroof hatch is convenient for drop in battery access.

A "C" category inshore design, the F35 is stable in up to two meter significant wave heights, capable in wind speeds up to Force 6. The Aft foil, as well as the forward foils, are constructed in titanium with a composite trailing edge.

A cool box keeps drinks and snacks chilled. A water ski attachment point is provided by an ensign post fitting.

Flying on foils with at 30 knots, the Spirit Yachts BARTech F35 looks like a solid classic wooden ... [+] boat, but takes to tech for a surprising turn.

About The Partnership

Portsmouth UK firm BAR Technologies partnered with Spirit Yachts to deliver this luxury launch that satisfies the aesthetic while providing speed with a more sustainable footprint. Using its America's Cup design expertise, BAR Technologies was able to extend both speed and distance with this design, while maintaining the chic classic profile owned by Spirit Yachts.

The partnership of Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies offers a blend of old and new in their F35 ... [+] foiling launch.

BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper notes, "The electric flyer will be the first of a series of boats we design to break new ground as we move into a greener generation of leisure yachts. The Spirit BARTech F35 is a boat of pure elegance that cannot help but attract interest."

Spirit Yachts' Karen Underwood adds, Öur collaboration with BAR Technologies is the epitome of the modern classic ethos on which Spirit Yachts was founded. Beautiful, clean, classic lines and sustainable timber construction married with forward-thinking technology from BAR with no compromise on comfort and efficiency."

Pointing toward a more sustainable yachting lifestyle never looked better.

Kathleen Turner

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The CEO of Boeing’s satellite maker, Millennium Space, has quietly left the company

render of Millennium Space Systems satellite on orbit

Boeing’s satellite maker Millennium Space Systems will soon have a new CEO. Jason Kim, the executive who held the position for nearly four years, has departed the company, TechCrunch has learned. 

Boeing acquired Millennium Space Systems in 2018. Since that point, the company has scored mega-deals with the U.S. Department of Defense to build satellites to help warfighters track missiles and other threats. Millennium also successfully executed a “responsive space” mission for the U.S. Space Force; that mission, called Victus Nox , sought to establish a new record for the time it takes to put a defense payload into orbit. 

Millennium and its partner for the mission, Firefly Space, accomplished just that: Last September, the two firms were able to integrate the Millennium-built satellite with Firefly’s launch vehicle after 58 hours. The satellite was operational just 37 hours after launch. 

“We are grateful to Jason for his leadership, growing the portfolio and evolving the company to a workforce of nearly 1,000, and wish him the best in the next phase of his career,” a Millennium spokesperson said in a comment. “We anticipate announcing a CEO in the near term who can carry forward Millennium Space Systems’ spirit and culture of rapid delivery. Millennium Space Systems’ mission has not changed, and the team continues their unwavering focus on customer commitments.” 

Kim did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment. Kim was not a founder of Millennium Space Systems but was appointed around two years after Boeing acquired the company. Its founder and former CEO, Stan Dubyn, led the company for 17 years. Prior to Millennium, Kim held leadership positions at Raytheon’s space division and Northrop Grumman. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. 

The move comes at a time of uncertainty for Boeing’s space businesses more broadly. The aerospace giant has come under the microscope for its bungled Starliner mission, which experienced technical problems shortly before docking with the International Space Station, leading NASA officials to decide that the spacecraft should return to Earth without astronauts onboard. However, the reason for Kim’s departure is unclear. There are other executive vacancies in the industry right now — including at Firefly, whose CEO departed just days after Payload Space published a report alleging he was under investigation at the company.

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SPIRIT YACHTS

MODERN CLASSIC YACHT DESIGN & BUILD

Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.

From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers.

Our portfolio of luxury sailing yachts and elegant power boats win awards, as well as regattas.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Spirit Yachts’ contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit’s modern classic cruising, racing , and power yachts .

Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.

“THE SPIRIT TEAM IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO A UNIQUE BUILD EXPERIENCE AND A TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL YACHT.”

WORLD-CLASS WOODWORK

Spirit Yachts comprises a talented team of craftsmen and women who are passionate about and dedicated to the highest standards of boat building.

Using hand-selected timber sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests, Spirit Yachts incorporate the beauty of wood with the latest modern technology for sailing performance and a luxury guest experience.

SUSTAINABILITY

WOOD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY SPIRIT YACHT.

Wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced boat building material offering beauty, a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. Spirit Yachts is committed to the environmental sustainability of its wood and is meticulous in sourcing the highest quality timber from responsibly managed forests and regulated suppliers.

SPIRIT NEWS

LATEST STORIES

Champagne sailing at spirit yachts’ owners regatta, spirit yachts announces q class commission, spirit founder honoured with lifetime achievement award, spirit c72 wins prestigious classic boat award, spirit yachts appoints australasia dealer, spirit c72 on display palma boat show, spirit yachts set to showcase new designs at boot düsseldorf, owner interview: my first season on a new spirit 72.

STAY IN THE LOOP

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IMAGES

  1. Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO

    spirit yachts ceo

  2. "Positive" Southampton Boat Show for Spirit Yachts

    spirit yachts ceo

  3. Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO

    spirit yachts ceo

  4. Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO

    spirit yachts ceo

  5. Spirit Yachts CEO steps down following change in ownership

    spirit yachts ceo

  6. Spirit Yachts C44 Owner Interview

    spirit yachts ceo

COMMENTS

  1. Spirit Yachts CEO steps down following change in ownership

    Spirit Yachts CEO steps down following change in ownership. 28 February 2023 • by Gabrielle Lazaridis. Spirit Yachts, a shipyard originating from Suffolk in England, announced a new management and ownership structure to accompany the company's 30th year. As part of the transition, Spirit Yachts is benefitting from the injection of significant ...

  2. Spirit Yachts Announces New Management Team

    Spirit Yachts, CEO and Head of Design, Sean McMillan, commented, "This announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Spirit Yachts. Karen and Mike's combined experience makes for a strong duo at the helm of the company, which has continued to grow despite the pandemic. With Nigel in a non-exec role, Spirit will continue to ...

  3. Spirit Yachts Announces New Management in its 30th Year

    This month, leading yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure. In the company's 30 th year, its original founder Sean McMillan has taken a step back from his CEO role to become a consultant designer and brand ambassador. As part of this transition, Spirit Yachts is now majority-owned by a passionate group of Spirit yacht owners, who ...

  4. Spirit Yachts in new ownership as founder Sean McMillan steps back

    February 27, 2023. Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure, with founder Sean McMillan taking a step back from his CEO role to become a consultant designer and brand ambassador. As the company marks its 30th anniversary this year, it now becomes majority-owned by a group of Spirit yacht owners, who have committed ...

  5. Spirit Yachts announces new management team

    Spirit Yachts, CEO and Head of Design, Sean McMillan, commented, "This announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Spirit Yachts. Karen and Mike's combined experience makes for a strong duo at the helm of the company, which has continued to grow despite the pandemic. With Nigel in a non-exec role, Spirit will continue to benefit ...

  6. No Time To Die: How Spirit Yachts became the official boat of James Bond

    With a Spirit 46 making an appearance in the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, Spirit Yachts founder and CEO Sean McMillan gives an insight into the 007 filming process. In the recently-released James Bond film No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's 007, now retired from active service, is cruising the waters of Jamaica on board his own Spirit 46 sailing yacht.

  7. Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO

    UK-based sailing yacht builder Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure as founder Sean McMillan has taken a step back from his role as CEO. Sean McMillian will continue to work at the company, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, as a consultant designer and brand ambassador.

  8. Spirit Yachts reveals new owners and management team

    Sailing superyacht builder, Spirit Yachts has revealed a new ownership structure and management team. Company co-founder, Sean McMillan, has stepped down as CEO with a group of Spirit Yacht owners taking majority ownership of the UK-based shipyard. McMillan will continue at the firm with the role of consultant designer and brand ambassador.

  9. Spirit Yachts announces new ownership structure and ...

    Yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure. Following its original founder Sean McMillan taking a step back from his CEO role to become a consultant designer and brand ambassador, Spirit Yachts is now majority-owned by a group of Spirit yacht owners, who have committed significant capital to strengthen future business growth.

  10. Karen Underwood on the future of Spirit Yachts

    Last week it was announced that Spirit Yachts would be led by existing managing director Karen Underwood, while founding CEO Sean McMillan moves away from the role to act as a brand ambassador and consulting designer for the British yard.It was also revealed that Spirit Yachts received a significant injection of capital from a new majority group of owners, positioning the company for growth on ...

  11. Take A Closer Look At Bond's Spirit Yacht

    The Second Spirit Yacht To Appear In A 007 Film. It all started when a Spirit 54 yacht was chosen for Bond to sail in Casino Royale. Handmade by British boatbuilders, Spirit Yachts, the Spirit 54 was used for Bond and Vesper's memorable arrival in Venice before the film's dramatic climax. Sean McMillan, Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design ...

  12. The story of Spirit Yachts, the best wooden-hulled boats in the world

    And yet, Sean McMillan - CEO, head designer and founder of Spirit Yachts, talks through the noise. Standing atop a raised platform at one end of the Ipswich boatyard, he smiles. "This is our empire!" ... A Spirit Yacht takes around a year to make from the design to build stage. The smallest of the three current projects, a 63-foot boat ...

  13. Spirit Yachts Partner With James Bond Film No Time To Die

    Suffolk-based Spirit Yachts' partnership with the James Bond films began when a Spirit 54 yacht was chosen to feature in the 2006 film Casino Royale, in which James Bond and Vesper Lynd can be seen cruising into Venice onboard a Spirit 54. Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The James Bond films are a mainstay of ...

  14. Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO

    Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure as founder Sean McMillan steps down ... Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure as founder Sean McMillan steps down from CEO. People Spirit Yachts founder Sean McMillan steps down as CEO. Written by Sophie Spicknell. Tue, 28 Feb 2023 | 10:15 ...

  15. Spirit Yachts

    Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand." In the forthcoming film, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, where a Spirit 46 sailing yacht is featured. ...

  16. No Time to Die: How Spirit Yachts Became the Official Boat of James Bond

    With a Spirit 46 making an appearance in the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die, Spirit Yachts founder and CEO Sean McMillan gives an insight into the 007 filming process. In the recently-released James Bond film No Time To Die, Daniel Craig's 007, now retired from active service, is cruising the waters of Jamaica on board his own Spirit ...

  17. Official: Spirit 46 Yacht featured in No Time To Die

    Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand. The Spirit 46 is one of the original Spirit Yachts designs and is an example of the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into ...

  18. Suffolk-based Spirit Yachts set to star in BBC 'We Are England'

    Spirit Yachts' founder and CEO Sean McMillan commented, "We are looking forward to watching the programme as a team this evening; this is a proud moment for all of us. The creation of a Spirit yacht is down to an extremely talented group of individuals working together to design and build a person's dream.

  19. 007 Yacht

    Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica, where a Spirit 46 sailing yacht is featured. Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The James Bond films are a mainstay of British culture and we are honoured to be continuing our partnership with such an iconic brand."

  20. One Haute Yacht, The Spirit BARTech F35 Owns Speed, Style, And ...

    BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper notes, "The electric flyer will be the first of a series of boats we design to break new ground as we move into a greener generation of leisure yachts. The Spirit ...

  21. Spirit Yachts Launches Electric Spirit 30 Day Sailor

    Responding to demand for a smaller Spirit design, the first Spirit 30 has now been handed over to her owner in the UK. The yacht will be on display at the upcoming Düsseldorf boat show from 22nd - 30th January 2022. Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The Spirit 30 is the ideal yacht for coastal or lake sailing ...

  22. The CEO of Boeing's satellite maker, Millennium Space ...

    It's founder and former CEO, Stan Dubyn, led the company for 17 years. Prior to Millennium, Kim held leadership positions at Raytheon's space division and Northrop Grumman. He also served in ...

  23. Spirit 111 Crowned Sailing Yacht Of The Year

    Spirit Yachts CEO and Head of Design Sean McMillan commented, "The World Superyacht Awards are the pinnacle of the superyacht industry's recognition for the highest quality yachts on the water today. To win the sailing yacht category and to be crowned best sailing yacht is an incredibly proud moment for all the Spirit team."

  24. Spirit Yachts

    Spirit Yachts' contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit's modern classic cruising, racing, and power yachts. Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are ...