Nautic Global Group Taps Engineering, R&D Leader

Nautic Global Group announced today that they’ve hired Vann P. Knight to lead the Company’s engineering and research & development efforts as Director of Engineering, across all brands.

Knight was formerly the Director of Engineering and Design Engineering Manager for Brunswick Corporation and the Brunswick Boat Group, supporting such brands as Boston Whaler, Triton and Trophy in Edgewater, Florida. He also has design and supply chain experience in several other industries. Most recently, Knight was the Manufacturing Engineer Manager for NACCO’s Materials Handling Group in Greenville, North Carolina.

“We are extremely excited to have Vann join the Nautic Global Group team and lead our engineering department,” said Nautic Global Group Chief Operating Officer Jim Orbik. “Vann has an extensive marine industry background and has amassed a great deal of relevant experience that will help our organization as we grow. We expect Vann and his team, in conjunction with our brand managers, to bring a focus on the designs, features and price points that consumers expect in today's marketplace."

At Brunswick, Knight led the engineering and integration of over 30 new boats ranging from 13-37 feet, while reorganizing the design engineering team to allow for lean design activities and increased productivity, producing impressive results.

“I am so excited to be re-entering the marine industry with a company who clearly has momentum,” said Knight.  “Nautic Global Group thrived through the recession and is nicely poised for growth as the marine industry rebounds.”

Knight served as an officer in the United States Army during most of the 1990’s after graduating with a Leadership and General Engineering degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He also has an MBA in Management from Wake Forest University. Knight will be relocating to Elkhart, Indiana.