The sale of Sunseeker International to a consortium led by KCP Holdings has been completed, with an internal staff communication seen by Powerboat News confirming the new owners’ plans for the Poole-based yacht builder and the appointment of Andrés Rubio as permanent chief executive.
The completion follows reporting published yesterday that the deal was close. The acquisition has been made by KCP Holdings in partnership with Miami-based Lionheart Capital, which had been part of the previous ownership structure. The deal was completed directly between KCP, Lionheart Capital, and the company’s existing lenders.
What the Staff Notice Says
The internal communication, headed “Sunseeker – New Ownership Secured” and addressed to colleagues, sets out the ownership structure and the new management appointments. It confirms that KCP Holdings will hold 100% of the shares in Sunseeker, subject to regulatory approvals described as expected to complete in the coming weeks.
On business direction, the notice states that KCP is fully supportive of Sunseeker’s existing business plan. That plan includes investment in next-generation product development, the reintroduction of a Superyacht offering, and transformation of the operating model. The new owners have committed to further investment across Sunseeker’s brand, operations, products, customer experience, and workforce, with the stated goal of making Sunseeker the best producer of yachts in the world.
Rubio Confirmed as Permanent CEO
Scott Millar, the Teneo senior managing director who had served as interim chief executive since December 2025, steps down as part of the transition. Andrés Rubio is confirmed as permanent CEO. The staff notice describes Rubio as bringing a 30-year track record of business leadership and transformation experience across the US, Europe, and Asia, and notes that he has spent the past several months working closely with the business and its leadership team.
I have long admired Sunseeker as the pinnacle of luxury yacht building, and its heritage genuinely sets it apart. It is an honour to be leading the business at such an exciting time and with a clear path to transformative growth. We now have committed owners, an established leadership team, an industry-leading Chairman, and a clear plan.Andrés Rubio, incoming CEO, Sunseeker International
Rubio most recently served as chief executive of Intrum AB, the Swedish-listed European credit management firm, stepping down in July 2025 after completing the company’s recapitalisation. He previously held senior roles at Apollo Management International, Morgan Stanley Principal Investments, and Cerberus Capital Management.
Antony Sheriff, the former executive chairman of Plymouth-based Princess Yachts, is expected to become non-executive chairman. Sheriff joined Sunseeker’s board in an advisory capacity in November 2024 and his appointment as chairman was part of the deal structure reported by Sky News ahead of completion.
KCP Holdings Background
KCP Holdings was established in 1952 and operates offices in New York, London, Singapore, and Washington DC. The staff notice describes the firm as having deep investment experience and characterises the acquisition as a long-term commitment to Sunseeker’s future.
Lionheart Capital, the Miami-based investment firm co-founded by Ophir Sternberg, had been part of the Lionheart and Orienta Capital Partners consortium that acquired Sunseeker from Dalian Wanda Group in November 2024. The continuation of Lionheart in the new ownership structure had not been confirmed in earlier reporting on the deal.
Ownership Timeline
The completion of this transaction marks the third change of ownership for Sunseeker in under two years. The company was held by Dalian Wanda Group for 11 years from 2013 before passing to Lionheart Capital and Orienta Capital Partners in November 2024. Financial difficulties through 2025, including the collapse of the US export market and up to 200 redundancies – later reduced significantly – led to restructuring under Teneo Financial Advisory and fresh capital from lenders Cheyne Capital and Cross Ocean Partners before the current sale process concluded.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
