Phil Popham has confirmed his departure as CEO of Sunseeker International, and will be leaving the corporation at the end of September.

Sunseeker is now on the lookout for a new CEO. In the meantime, the Poole-based shipyard’s day-to-day operations are being led by chief financial officer Mike McMillan and chief operations officer Michael Straughan.

Popham joined Sunseeker in early 2015 to help develop and lead the company’s turnaround plan – and then returned it to profitability ahead of schedule in the following year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sunseeker International,” Popham said in a statement. “To have played a part in the turnaround of this fabulous brand makes me immensely proud, but the business is now firmly in its next phase of growth and it is time for me to embark on a fresh challenge.”

Jon Zeng, from parent firm Dalian Wanda, added, “Phil leaves Sunseeker in a very healthy position with a record order book, an exciting long-term product plan and the necessary corporate structure to allow the company to focus on its future growth.

“We would like to thank him for his leadership, professionalism and guidance and wish him every success in his new endeavours.”

In other news, Sunseeker International recently announced a new marine conservation programme with longstanding charity partner, The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), which focuses on protecting the environment around the island of Menorca.

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