Ben Willows Appointed CEO of RS Marine Group, Embarking on Next Chapter of Strategic Growth
July 8, 2025
RS Marine Group is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Willows as its new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience, Ben brings not only a proven track record of strategic development and operational excellence – but also a lifelong, lived passion for sailing and for RS boats themselves.
For Ben, this role is far more than a professional milestone – it’s deeply personal. “It started with an RS200 at Northampton Sailing Club back in 1997,” he reflects. “I then fell hard for the RS600, did the EuroCups, and loved every minute.” From competitive youth sailing to international circuits and now racing an RS800 with his son, Ben’s story has been intertwined with the RS brand for nearly three decades. “RS boats have been at the heart of my sailing journey and my family life. It feels like coming full circle.”
Ben’s career includes a transformative tenure as CEO of UKSA, one of the world’s most respected maritime training and youth development charities. Under his leadership, UKSA expanded its reach to over 11,000 young people annually, combining maritime education with personal growth. He began as a seasonal instructor and rose to lead the organisation, shaping its global reputation.
Now at the helm of RS Marine Group, Ben is focused on continuing the company’s growth while championing its founding ethos of innovation, community, and accessibility. “RS is a brand of participation. Our mission is to enable access to the water through brilliant products,” he says. “Whether it’s a 6-year-old in an RS Zest, a Masters champion helming an RS21, a club using the zero-emissions RS Pulse 63, or commercial crews operating a Cheetah Marine powercat – no other builder supports that full journey like RS. That’s our superpower.”
Ben also emphasizes the unique culture that sets RS apart. “When you show up at an RS Sailing Nationals, you don’t just get a regatta – you get a community. That sense of belonging, across every class and age group, is something truly special. It’s what we want to champion and protect.”
The group includes:
· RS Sailing – The world’s largest manufacturer of small sailboats
· RS Electric Boats – Innovating clean, electric-powered maritime transport
· Cheetah Marine – Renowned builders of high-performance power catamarans
With a line-up of over 30 boats – from the RS Aero to the Pulse 63 and Power Catamarans – RS Marine Group leads in sustainable innovation and product excellence. Despite its global reach, the group retains the collaborative spirit of a close-knit team.
Ben will divide his time across RS Marine Group’s three primary hubs: RS Sailing in Romsey and Cowes, RS Electric Boats in Hamble, and Cheetah Marine in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
He joins Managing Directors Jon Partridge, Alex Newton-Southon, and Bas Edmonds in leading the company through its next chapter. “Jon and Alex have driven this business forward and been part of the team for over 30 years,” Ben notes. “My role is to build on that foundation – to structure the group for the future while staying true to what makes RS special.”
