Oyster Yachts has brought on board a new captain, Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, who will be managing the business of the brand known for its blue water cruisers from 1 September 2025. The industrial engineer and passionate sailor brings more than three decades of industry experience with him. In his new role, Zimmermann Zschocke will steer the company's next phase of growth. Oyster plans to expand its model programme and create new events for owners.
Industry experts at the helm
Zimmermann Zschocke has a career that includes both engineering and operational management positions. Most recently, he was a member of the Management Board at HanseYachts AG. Together with his fellow board member, he implemented a focussed brand and product strategy. Under his aegis, several successful models were launched on the market, including the Hanse 460 and the Moody 48 DS.
Technical expertise meets passion for sailing
The new Oyster CEO combines technical expertise with a deep connection to sailing. This combination reflects the essence of the Oyster brand. Zimmermann Zschocke is himself an enthusiastic regatta sailor and remains actively involved in the sailing community. He now brings his passion for the sport to his leadership role. "For me, Oyster yachts epitomise a sailing dream - the finest yachts you can own," explains Zimmermann Zschocke. "I look forward to building on Oyster's strong foundation and leading the company to the forefront of the global market through industrial strength, innovation and a people-centred culture."
Setting the strategic course for the future
The appointment of Zimmermann Zschocke comes at a crucial time for Oyster Yachts. The company is currently reporting record sales and is expanding its portfolio of events aimed at owners. These include the Oyster World Rallythe Bluewater Academy and the Oyster Explorers Club. The British see great potential in their latest model, the Oyster 805which was recently presented. Construction number 1 will enter the water in early 2026.
Confidence for the future
Richard Hadida, owner and chairman of Oyster Yachts, is convinced by the choice of the new CEO: "Stefan brings a rare combination of technical expertise and a genuine passion for sailing. His engineering background enables him to understand and categorise complex technical issues. He also shares our belief that building a blue water sailing yacht starts with understanding what it means to sail one. I am confident that under his leadership, Oyster will continue to set the benchmark in this segment."
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT
Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.
