Riviera makes key European appointment

by IBI Magazine on 23 Jun 2006 Australian boatbuilder Riviera has announced the appointment of Andrea Armas as its new general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Currently employed at Riveria's Australian headquarters on Queensland's Gold Coast, Armas, a qualified naval architect originally from Sardinia, will take up his position in Europe in August.

'We expect to establish a permanent office in Europe within six months,' says Armas. 'And I'm already looking for good people to help me. That will include a mobile service team and a marketing co-ordinator.'

Armas, who has a background that includes international sales management and superyacht project management, will be responsible for reinforcing the Riviera brand in Europe, and introducing it to new dealers in the region.

'I will be working to promote our brand at the major European boat shows,' says Armas. 'We anticipate 20 per cent growth in this region over the coming financial year.'

Based in Coomera, Southeast Queensland, Riviera claims to be the largest luxury boat manufacturer in Australia. The company produces around 400 flybridge convertibles, sport cruisers and sport yachts per year, with a large percentage of production exported to more than 30 countries around the world.