Riviera CEO announces retirement

Yesterday afternoon (August 11) John Anderson, the Chief Executive Officer of Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury boat builder announced to the company’s 400-strong staff his plans to retire and return to the United States in September.

"In June of this year, my wife Terri and I returned to the United States to celebrate my 60th birthday with family and friends. During this trip we were greeted with the wonderful news that our daughter in-law is expecting our first grandchild. We’ve been away from home for almost five years and this news, coupled with Terri’s parents requiring our support, has brought forward slightly my retirement plans. Because family must always come first, we have made the very difficult decision to return home permanently to the US later next month and thus regrettably I will step away from Riviera at the end of August," said Mr Anderson in his address.

"The last four and a half years in Australia with Riviera has afforded us with memories and experiences that we both will treasure. We have made many good friends and it has been an honour to work with our fine staff at Coomera particularly over the last two years as we have chartered a safer course through turbulent times.

"Timing for any such decision is never perfect but I truly believe that I can leave Riviera confident that the senior management team supported by Deloitte can continue to drive the business forward and achieve the goals we have set. I applaud the team at Coomera for their commitment and passion.

"With the completion of the Sydney International Boat Show earlier this month, it was truly gratifying to see the results of a real team effort. We sold 11 new boats at the show, received very positive feedback to our latest new model the 53 Flybridge and again witnessed the incredible support from the loyal Riviera owners who cheer us on at every opportunity. Riviera has a brand culture stronger than any I have seen in my 28 years in the boating industry.

"I would like to personally thank our staff, owners and dealers around the world for their support and loyalty towards Riviera. Their belief in our brand and in our future is the key element of our continued success.

"I would also like to thank Deloitte for their support and guidance over the past two years. We have come so far but the journey is not over. Deloitte will continue to provide operational support to the Riviera management team. 

"Terri and I will certainly continue as Riviera cheer leaders and we will watch with great enthusiasm the continued growth of Australia’s largest and most awarded pleasure boat builder".

According to Riviera spokesman Stephen Milne, The process for finding a replacement for Mr Anderson has begun and an announcement will be made in the near future.