New CEO for Electronic Navigation Ltd

by Freddy Foote on 14 Dec 2010 The board of directors of marine electronics company, Electronic Navigation Limited (ENL) have announced the appointment of Gareth Hodson as Chief Executive Officer of the company effective from 10 December 2010.

Hodson’s career with ENL has spanned nearly 20-years, with his most recent position being General Manager, New Zealand Sales and Service.

ENL is New Zealand’s largest distributor of marine electronics including advanced navigation and communication equipment for small pleasure craft through to super yachts, commercial vessels and Navy ships.

The company supplies market-leading brands such as Furuno and Lowrance as well as the innovative and highly successful new WASSP range of advanced sonars, developed and manufactured in-house for international distribution.
Hodson started with ENL in 1991 as an apprentice, going on to become a fully qualified Marine Electronics Technician. The position saw him carry out the installation & service of onboard marine electronic systems such as Radar, Echo Sounder, SSB, VHF, GPS and Satellite Communications systems. In 1994 Hodson was the production manger and field technician for the companies Netlink deep-sea acoustic technology used by commercial fisherman globally.

After a stint playing a season of Rugby in Wales, Gareth returned to New Zealand in 1996 to take on a role with Navstation based in Westhaven beginning his trade in sales.

In 1997 rejoined ENL as the Commercial Product Manager, developing business relationships with overseas suppliers and commercial dealers nationwide and being responsible for the pricing, branding and marketing of new products.

In 2001, he was appointed National Sales & Marketing moving into the role of General Manager, New Zealand Sales and Service in 2008.

Hodson has been on the NZ Marine Export board for the past three years, focusing on export growth for the Marine Industry working along side NZ Trade & Enterprise on strategic initiatives for promoting the industry.

'The last couple of years has been about putting ENL in a strong position for when the market recovers. Export growth for ENL & the Marine Industry is something I am extremely passionate about,' says Hodson.

'Gareth brings a wide array of experience to the CEO role, which commenced with his background in technical training and experience in marine electronics and covering various appointments in sales and service of the company’s extensive product range,' says ENL Chairman Paddy Boyle.

'His experience in all facets of the company will further assist ENL in its manufacturing and export capabilities, particularly in relation to our WASSP product.'