International Boat Industry is reporting that Hervé Gastinel has stepped down as chief executive of Groupe Beneteau with immediate effect.

Gastinel, who was CEO of the French boatbuilding group since 2015, has been replaced by Beneteau chairman Jérôme de Metz.

The move comes with a number of changes in the management board of the group’s boat division — and follows changes at other high-profile boatbuilders Sunseeker and Princess in the past week. IBI has more on the story HERE.

Beneteau is prepping for the unveiling of its new First Yacht 53 in September at Cannes, where Irish Beneteau agents BJ Marine will also have a presence.