John Scott was previously CEO at self-service payment technology company Invenco and had spent 14 years at Navico.
John Scott.
Vessev, a global leader in sustainable marine technology, has appointed highly experienced marine industry expert John Scott as chair of the board.
Bolstering Vessev’s senior leadership team, Scott was previously CEO at self-service payment technology company Invenco and, prior to that, spent 14 years at Navico in executive positions. During his time at Navico – one of the largest marine electrics companies in the world – Scott played a key role in the acquisition of the Navico Group by the Brunswick Corporation in 2021.
Recently showcasing its VS-9 electric hydrofoil, complete with cabin and interior for the first time, Vessev’s momentum is rapidly accelerating. Production has already begun with the first vessel now in commercial service operated by Fullers360.
Vessev chief executive Eric Laakmann commented: “We are thrilled to welcome John as chair of the board. He is a highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of building and scaling exceptional companies across all stages of growth. With 25 years of global experience spanning operations, design, supply chain, technical development, procurement, and delivery, his expertise is both extensive and invaluable.
“In the marine industry, John has played a pivotal role in multiple acquisitions and investment rounds, bringing a wealth of strategic insight. He joins Vessev at a defining moment, as our first product enters commercial service, and I have no doubt that his leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission to propel a more liveable world.”
Scott said: “I’m excited to be joining the Vessev team and contributing in any way I can. The work this team is undertaking represents a paradigm shift for the entire marine industry, one that will, in time, become the norm. …
“New Zealand’s unique mindset and ecosystem – encompassing world-class boat designers, manufacturers, America’s Cup expertise, advanced electronics, and even space technology – enables us to assemble a team unmatched anywhere else in the world. Eric and Max have brought together an exceptional group of talent.”
While the initial VS-9 is configured for premium transportation experiences, the platform has been designed from the start to be flexible and scalable. Utilising this design, Vessev is already working through further enhancements to the vessel’s performance and applying their learnings to plans for larger foiling vessels with capacity for more passengers and suitable for a range of routes. The team at Vessev is now scaling its operation with multiple products in development.
This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
