Respected industry veteran to head Donzi Marine

by Bob Wonders on 24 Mar 2008 When it comes to big names in the boating industry, they don’t come much bigger than Donzi, the boat builder established by the late larger-than-life Don Aronow and produced on the famous ‘Thunderboat Alley' in North Miami Beach.

Now owned by American Marine Holdings, Donzi Marine has announced the appointment of Craig Barrie as vice-president of sales for the Sarasota, Florida-based company and in choosing the 59-year-old they added ‘a big name to a big name.’

Barrie was a former CEO of the famed Cigarette Racing Team, another of Aronow’s legacies, and has enjoyed considerable powerboat racing success in Open Offshore, Superboat and Formula I classes.

Barrie can claim more than 30-years experience in high performance boats, both sales and production.

He established Dragon Powerboats in 2003 and specialised in custom, built-to-order performance boats, while for the past four-years he was also involved with retail sales for FastBoats.com, a Florida retailer of high performance rigs and one of Donzi Marine’s largest dealers.

'Craig’s long-time relationship with Cigarette and his work at Dragon Powerboats are invaluable in the high performance boat field, 'Lee Kimmell, CEO of American Marine Holdings said.

'He has his finger on the pulse of the retail market today, particularly as that market applies to the Donzi buyer.

'His encyclopaedic knowledge of the marketplace will be of paramount importance and benefit to us,' he added.

Barrie’s background is impressive, to say the least.

From 1984 to 1992 he was vice president, sales and marketing, for the Cigarette Racing Team

He became president and CEO in 1992 and held that position until 1999.

During his time at Cigarette, he established the company’s dealer network and international marketing plan and was involved with the design and production of some of the company’s best-selling models, including the 35’ Café Racer and the 38’ Top Gun.

While his involvement and experience with high performance powerboats is outstanding, it was the diversity of his skills that have impressed all at Donzi, including Josh Stickles, vice president of marketing.

'He’s a born salesman with a wealth of experience to call on at all levels,' Stickles said.

Prior to joining Cigarette, Barrie, from 1971 to 1984 was executive vice president of Faberge’ where he was responsible for 250 representatives and US$160 million in sales.

He relocated to Europe at one point and handled the international launch of Faberge’ Brut.

For further information visit the website, www.donzimarine.com