Active Interest Media (AIM) acquired Yachting Promotions and its Show Management operations. The new owner, a publishing, information and event company, will now run the five major boat shows and special events formerly managed by Yachting Promotions in South Florida, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Yachting Promotions’ founder, Kaye Pearson, will consult for the new owner, while Efrem "Skip" Zimbalist III, CEO of AIM (and former Times Mirror CFO and CEO of Times Mirror Magazines), will head the organization. Visit www.aimmedia.com.

Headhunter of Fort Lauderdale recently received an export achievement award from the U.S. Department of Commerce for its approach to expanding export customer relations. The manufacturer of wastewater treatment systems for yachts and oil rigs earned the award because of its desire to expand its export business using services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service, a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visit www.headhunterinc.com.

Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group (ARBMG) appointed Bryant Hixson director of marketing. An ad agency veteran with 12 years’ experience, Hixson specialized in developing and maintaining brands such as Ford, Frito-Lay, Pizza Hut and Clorox. He is now developing and implementing a marketing strategy for the ARBMG brand and oversees all aspects of marketing and public relations. Visit www.arbmg.com.

Knight & Carver (K&C) YachtCenter of San Diego was selected by Benetti Yachts as Benetti’s West Coast preferred service facility. Under this agreement, K&C will provide service at its San Diego Bay facility as well as offer a field-service team of yacht repair and maintenance professionals for Benetti yachts cruising the western United States. Visit www.knightandcarver.com.

Broward Marine hired Daniel Goodstadt as vice president of marketing. Goodstadt’s experience includes public relations for driver Emerson Fittipaldi of the Marlboro Indy Racing team and involvement with the creation of restaurant chain Planet Hollywood. Goodstadt will continue marketing Broward’s new product line to the traditional, discreet yacht buyer as well as his more high-profile contacts around the world, including celebrities and auto racers. Visit www.browardmarine.com.

Van der Velden Marine Systems named Marcel Vos export sales manager. He will represent the company’s product line, including the award-winning EPS Silent Thruster. Vos is a former member of the Dutch National Sailing Team. In related news, Royal Huisman agreed to install two of the retractable thrusters aboard the 190-foot (57.9-meter) sailing yacht Ethereal, which is due for a 2008 delivery. Visit www.vdvyachting.nl.

Ann Landry has opened her own full-service charter agency, Ann Landry Yachting, after 14 years’ experience as a retail charter agent with major agencies such as Bob Saxon Associates and Koch, Newton & Partners. Landry started her career as a crewmember on charter yachts. Visit www.annlandry.com.

Former Velsheda and Atlanta captain Mike Cox joined Sparkman & Stephens (S&S) as operations manager. His position will focus on operations of the design and brokerage departments in the company’s Fort Lauderdale and New York offices. He will also oversee advertising, marketing and industry events. Visit www.sparkmanandstephens.com.

The 2006 Association of Yacht Support Services (AYSS) Global Handbook is now available, providing worldwide member information, international boat show dates and a host of services available globally. AYSS is the largest association of superyacht service and supply agents in the world, with more than 75 members in 50 countries. Visas, berthage, bunkering, port fees and travel arrangements are just a few of the services offered in the handbook. Visit www.ayss.org.

Azzura Marine started operations at the former State Dockyard in Newcastle, Australia. By redeveloping the area, Azzura will create a superyacht precinct for new-build construction, refit and repair and servicing of sail and motor vessels up to 120 meters. Azzura builds high-performance production racing yachts and custom motor and sailing yachts. The newest addition to Azzura Marine is Marten Yachts, which has an impressive portfolio of production and custom boats and complementary service facilities. Jason Rowed will be brand sales manager. Visit www.azzuramarine.com, www.martenyachts.com.

CEO Gary Webb with Azzura’s owner Iain Murray. (Click image to enlarge)

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MarineMax promoted long-time executive Edward A. Russell to the new post of vice president of operations. Russell managed operations in Florida for the last three years, overseeing more than 50 percent of MarineMax’s revenue in 2005. Visit www.marinemax.com.

Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT) hired a new PR/marketing officer to handle all aspects of the company’s marketing. Cynthia Fish joined DYT after working in marketing at Palmer Johnson, Westship Yacht Sales and most recently Bartram & Brakenhoff. Visit www.yacht-transport.com.