David McQueen steps down as SYBA chairman

by SYBA on 1 Nov 2010 Due to personal reasons SYBA chairman David McQueen, made the difficult decision to step down as chairman of SYBA handing over the reins to current VC Dominic White from MTU Detroit Diesel Australia.

Dominic accepted the role, stating it was an honour to have worked with David through a difficult period in SYBA’s history and he perfectly understood David’s need to take some time out at this point.

McQueen is currently managing director of Azzura Marine and has been working in the marine industry for over 32 years. He has brought considerable experience of boat building and management to the SYBA board which he has been a member of for five years.

The current global financial crisis had affected everyone and the superyacht sector has certainly taken its share of pain over the past 24 months. This had lead to a new management structure within SYBA and the SYBA board has now positioned the organisation strategically for the future.

David said, 'SYBA needs a strong united focus going forward, we have a unique cruising destination which I see as a very attractive alternative to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. SYBA needs to work closely with the Federal government to remove any barriers to superyachts cruising in Australian waters and to get the message out globally regarding what Australia has to offer, we need stronger ties with Tourism Australia. The board must steer a course that will provide a solid financial base for SYBA and more importantly a successful SuperYacht industry for Australia'

Rod Tweddle, the Executive Director of the WA/Darwin cluster and long term board member of SYBA stated 'David had done an amazing job through a difficult time with SYBA and in his own life. He has done a tremendous amount for the organisation and this should not go unnoticed.'

Richard Morris another long term director of SYBA managing the Sydney Superyacht cluster also commented on behalf of himself personally and the NSW cluster. 'David has done an amazing job during a very difficult period in SYBA’s life. He has overseen the changeover from the past administration to the new administration being an big advocate of bringing Maryanne Edwards and her team on to run SYBA and they are doing a fantastic job increasing the value of SYBA domestically and Internationally.'

These sentiments were echoed by all board members who felt David’s energy and tenacity in driving SYBA had certainly now placed them on a path where they could strategically grow the industry. SYBA had a significant stand in Monaco and in Ft Lauderdale this week. SYBA continues to promote the Great Southern Route a significant publication that profiles not only SYBA members but the entire South Pacific region.

McQueen said 'We are all passionate about the industry and that is why we are part of SYBA. It is important to promote the entire industry and commended SYBA CEO Maryanne Edwards for her teams support to date. David will stay on as a board member of SYBA and looked forward to working with SYBA in the future to drive their very full agenda.'