Ben Willows appointed CEO of RS Marine Group
by RS Marine Group 20 Jun 12:00 BST
Jon Partridge, Ben Willows and Alex Newton-Southon © RS Marine Group
RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer.
A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven track record of strategic development and operational excellence - but also a lifelong, lived passion for sailing and for RS boats themselves.
For Ben, this role is far more than a professional milestone - it's deeply personal. "It started with an RS200 at Northampton Sailing Club back in 1997," he reflects. "I then fell hard for the RS600, did the EuroCups, and loved every minute." From competitive youth sailing to international circuits and now racing an RS500 with his son, Ben's story has been intertwined with the RS brand for nearly three decades. "RS boats have been at the heart of my sailing journey and my family life. It feels like coming full circle."
Ben's career includes a transformative tenure as CEO of UKSA, one of the world's most respected maritime training and youth development charities. Under his leadership, UKSA expanded its reach to over 11,000 young people annually, combining maritime education with personal growth. He began as a seasonal instructor and rose to lead the organisation, shaping its global reputation.
Now at the helm of RS Marine Group, Ben is focused on continuing the company's growth while championing its founding ethos of innovation, community, and accessibility. "RS is a brand of participation. Our mission is to enable access to the water through brilliant products," he says.
"Whether it's a 6-year-old in an RS Zest, a Masters champion helming an RS21, a club using the zero-emissions RS Pulse 63, or commercial crews operating a Cheetah Marine powercat - no other builder supports that full journey like RS. That's our superpower."
Ben also emphasises the unique culture that sets RS apart: "When you show up at an RS Sailing Nationals, you don't just get a regatta - you get a community. That sense of belonging, across every class and age group, is something truly special. It's what we want to champion and protect."
The group includes:
- RS Sailing - The world's largest manufacturer of small sailboats
- RS Electric Boats - Innovating clean, electric-powered maritime transport
- Cheetah Marine - Renowned builders of high-performance power catamarans
With a line-up of over 30 boats - from the RS Aero to the Pulse 63 and Power Catamarans - RS Marine Group leads in sustainable innovation and product excellence. Despite its global reach, the group retains the collaborative spirit of a close-knit team.
Ben will divide his time across RS Marine Group's three primary hubs: RS Sailing in Romsey and Cowes, RS Electric Boats in Hamble, and Cheetah Marine in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
He joins Managing Directors Jon Partridge, Alex Newton-Southon, and Bas Edmonds in leading the company through its next chapter. "Jon and Alex have driven this business forward and been part of the team for over 30 years," Ben notes. "My role is to build on that foundation - to structure the group for the future while staying true to what makes RS special."
Ben's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for RS Marine Group, and the team is enthusiastic about the future under his leadership.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ben to the team. His depth of experience and leadership will bring more cohesion as we continue to grow RS Marine Group into a truly unified organisation, rather than three successful businesses operating in parallel. Ben's understanding of both the maritime world and the RS spirit makes him uniquely positioned to help shape our future - not just from a group level, but by working alongside us every step of the way." Alex Newton-Southon, Managing Director, RS Electric Boats.
"RS has always been more than just a brand - it's a family, a community built around shared experiences on the water. Ben has been part of that story - as someone who's lived it, raced it, and shared it with his own family. That deep, personal connection means he truly understands what RS stands for. We're excited to have him join us - not just to lead the group, but to continue building this community." Jon Partridge, Managing Director, RS Sailing.
"It's an exciting new chapter for RS Marine Group with Ben taking the helm. His experiences within the marine industry are rare to find and highly valuable. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring the opportunities that come from having a strong local presence here on the Isle of Wight, with Ben also based on the Island. At Cheetah Marine, we're excited to have his support as we continue to grow and innovate." Bas Edmonds, Managing Director, Cheetah Marine.
As a leader who never lost sight of the water, Ben's appointment marks more than a transition - it's a return to his roots, and a powerful step forward for RS Marine Group.