Top industry job for boss of distributor Peters Opal
Brian Peters, head of Sealine and Azimut distributor Peters Opal, has been appointed President of the British Marine Federation. He succeeds Peter Methven who has held the position for the last two and a half years.
Brian, pictured, started his career with a five year apprenticeship in automobile engineering before joining the marine industry in 1959. He founded Peters Plc in 1972 and has developed it into the largest motor and sail boat distributor in Europe, now called Peters Opal.
He has served on the board of National Boat Shows, which is the BMF’s boat show organising arm, since the year 2000, including three years as chairman.
In 2006 Brian was awarded the OBE for services to business and the community, recognising his work outside the marine industry as JP and a Special Constable, as well as his patronship of the arts in his local Chichester.
At the BMF, Brian has served for the last seven years on the Management Board and National Council and has been a long-standing member of the Federation’s International Committee which supports the Industry’s export efforts.
He said: “To be appointed President of the British Marine Federation is a fantastic honour and I am looking forward to taking on the role. The industry has a bright future but challenges also lie ahead.
“The marine industry is crucial to the economic lives of many and supports the leisure activities of millions of British people. I therefore relish the challenge of my tenure as President.”
Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the BMF, said: “I am delighted that Brian Peters has been appointed President of the British Marine Federation. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the marine sector and has displayed an unstinting commitment to promoting and championing the industry. We very much look forward to his time as President.”
