British Marine has confirmed that Lesley Robinson will step down from her role as chief executive this summer, following eight years in the position.
An agreed transition plan is in place, with Earle Stanner, currently chief finance and operations officer, to be appointed as the organisation’s next CEO.
Robinson will continue to lead British Marine over the coming months and will work with Stanner during the transition period to support continuity, delivery of priorities and the handover of responsibilities.
Robinson joined British Marine from MDL Marinas in July 2018. During her tenure, the organisation undertook changes to its governance structures and developed a revised membership strategy and national agenda.
During this period, Robinson led the organisation through the pandemic, which included the cancellation of the Southampton International Boat Show in 2020. British Marine continued its member support activity during this time through representation, guidance and practical assistance. Alongside her role at British Marine, Robinson has served for six years as a non-executive director on the board of ICOMIA, most recently as treasurer, representing UK leisure marine interests at an international level. In 2021, she was appointed an OBE in recognition of her services to the leisure marine industry.
Commenting on her decision, Lesley Robinson says: “It has been an honour to lead British Marine through such a significant period. Supporting our members with the help they need and the wider industry through challenging times, for example, through lobbying on their behalf, providing training programmes and new career pathways to upskill their teams and evolving the UK’s key annual boat show to attract newcomers into the industry, as well as providing a significant selling platform to exhibitors, has been immensely rewarding.
“I have also loved putting in place new partnerships, such as that with ABYA for our brokers, or with other sectors, such as the caravanning sector (our member presence at their February show), to continually evolve how we best serve our members.
“After eight years, it is the right time for me to hand over leadership to our new chief executive and to continue to support British Marine into its next phase. My departure this summer will fit into a cycle of succession, and I am delighted that, following our investment in leadership development, Earle Stanner will be appointed to take on the CEO role, and I remain fully committed to ensuring a smooth and effective transition.”
Under the agreed arrangements, Robinson will remain focused on delivering priorities during the handover period. Following this, she will continue to support British Marine in a part-time consultancy capacity, providing senior-level input on specific projects. Robinson said: “I am delighted to be able to assist like this and am looking forward to seeing where else I can also use my expertise to support the industry I love.”
Matthew Beckwith, chair of British Marine, says: “Lesley has made a significant and lasting contribution to British Marine by taking areas of member focus/needs and turning them into positive contributions, for example the growth of apprenticeships and end point assessments, the expansion of training into a strong and respected capability within the industry and the continued evolution and success of both the Southampton International Boat Show and Women In Marine events, and also the successful letting of Marine House are all lasting achievements.
“In my view, the multiple royal visits to the show over recent years are perhaps the clearest external endorsement that British Marine has been doing many things right. Her leadership has strengthened the organisation’s capability, credibility and influence, both nationally and internationally, and leaves British Marine well positioned for its next phase.
“I am grateful that Lesley will continue to lead the organisation during the transition and for her consultancy commitment thereafter to further support Earle and the board. The board is confident in Earle’s appointment and in the continuity this transition provides.”
British Marine, the trading name of British Marine Federation Limited, is the trade association for the UK leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. It has around 1,300 members across seagoing and inland sectors and represents an industry employing more than 38,000 people in the UK. The organisation also owns and operates the Southampton International Boat Show, next scheduled to take place from 18–27 September 2026.
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