Supporting plans to grow its superyacht construction plus its footholds in commercial and military vessel construction and refit/repair, Burger Boat Company has made several leadership changes.
Firstly, Jim Ruffolo (left), the president and CEO for more than the past 15 years, is now chairman. Ruffolo initially acquired the assets of the Wisconsin shipyard in the early 1990s with a business partner, a little over a year after it had closed. In his new role, Ruffolo will focus on long-term strategies.
Taking over from Ruffolo as president and CEO of Burger Boat Company is Nick Siler (top). Siler previously held senior and executive positions at a variety of Wisconsin-based manufacturing companies. His new priorities include strengthening the superyacht, commercial, and military strategies, plus bolster ongoing improvements in practices.
Yet another new executive-team appointment is Rich Thompson (below) as chief sales and marketing officer. Thompson has been serving as an adviser to the shipyard since last year. He, too, has prior experience with a few manufacturing companies. Like Siler, business development across all of the shipyard’s sectors is a priority, as is brand development, marketing, and product management. In fact, he will co-lead strategic planning with Siler. Thompson takes over the primary marketing duties from Ron Cleveringa, who is now senior vice president for product portfolio management.
A final managerial change at Burger Boat Company sees David Villar becoming COO. He has an engineering background and, like the other appointees, experience at manufacturing companies. His duties include broadening the operational capacity and abilities plus driving operational innovation.
“These leadership appointments position us to deepen our capabilities, expand our reach, and strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional vessels in every segment we serve,” says Ruffolo. Siler agrees, adding, “Our new and existing teams are hard at work for a ‘re-imagining’ of our company.” He continues, “To lead a company with 162 years of history towards that growth horizon is not just an honor, it’s a responsibility I welcome.”
Currently, two superyachts are in different stages of construction at the shipyard. The first is a 180-footer (55-meter) under contract for an owner’s party of 12. Styling and interiors are by Greg Marshall’s design office. Launch and delivery should be within the next year. The second, the Burger Project 515 yacht, is a same-size spec build. Available for sale, she features a suggested interior design by Patrick Knowles. The hull and superstructure are mostly complete, with the shipyard preferring to wait to advance construction until a buyer steps forward.
Burger Boat Company burgerboat.com