Bavaria Yachts is undergoing a generational change at the top of the company. Norbert Leifeld is taking over the position of CEO from Michael Müller with immediate effect. Together with Thorsten Gatz as CFO, Leifeld will steer the fortunes of the renowned German shipyard in future. The change in management marks an important milestone in Bavaria Yachts' corporate strategy, which is to be consistently continued and further developed.
Experienced industry expert takes the helm
Norbert Leifeld brings extensive experience to the new position. He has been COO at Bavaria Yachts since 2023 and knows the company from many years of collaboration. Leifeld previously worked for the shipyard for 15 years as a consultant in the areas of product strategy, product development and production. His expertise also extends to the catamaran sector: within Bavaria Holding, he acts as President de la Société for the French catamaran shipyard Nautitech. This broad experience predestines Leifeld for the challenges that Bavaria Yachts will face in the changing yacht industry.
Successful era under Michael Müller
Michael Müller, who has led Bavaria Yachts as CEO since 2019, has made a significant contribution to the positive development of the company during his time in office. All new sailing yachts in the successful Bavaria C-Line and the motorboats in the new Bavaria SR-Line were developed under his leadership. These model series have repositioned Bavaria Yachts in the highly competitive market. Mr Müller is now moving to the Advisory Board of Bavaria Yachtbau Holding under the leadership of Advisory Board Chairman Kai Brandes. In this role, he will continue to support the management in an advisory capacity.
Future strategy focussing on sustainability and customer loyalty
The new management under Norbert Leifeld plans to continue the successful strategy of Bavaria Yachts and at the same time set new trends. One focus will be on the development of e-drives in order to tap into new customer groups and take account of the trend towards sustainability in yacht building. Bavaria Yachts also intends to invest more in customer care and the acquisition of new customers. The "Bavaria Family" will benefit from an optimised customer journey, an expanded network of Bavaria Service Centres and a wider range of aftersales services.
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Flexibility as the key to success
In recent years, Bavaria Yachts has adapted to fluctuating market requirements by implementing "breathing" production. This forward-looking strategy enables the company to react flexibly to economic fluctuations. As a result, the shipyard believes it is well equipped to remain competitive and utilise market opportunities even in times of an economic slowdown.
Recognition and outlook
Kai Brandes, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Bavaria Yachts and Managing Partner of the investor CMP, recognises Michael Müller's achievements: "The challenges of recent years - whether the pandemic, supply chain problems or the coronavirus hype - have always been very demanding. Bavaria has mastered them all."
At the same time, Brandes is confident about the future under the new management: "We have been working successfully with him for over seven years. During this time, Norbert Leifeld has successfully managed numerous important projects for Bavaria Yachts to the great appreciation of employees, management, suppliers and our dealers."
With the change in management and the clear strategic direction, Bavaria Yachts is positioning itself for the challenges and opportunities of the coming years. The combination of proven expertise and fresh impetus promises to further strengthen the company's position in the international yacht market.
About Bavaria Yachts
Bavaria Yachts is one of the leading yacht builders in Europe. The company is based in Giebelstadt and produces sailing and motor yachts. Bavaria Yachts is particularly well known for its successful C-Line sailing yachts and the SR-Line in the motorboat segment. The shipyard relies on flexible production in order to be able to react to market fluctuations.
