Winch Design appoints new CEO
Aino-Leena Grapin has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Winch Design.
Andrew Winch, her predecessor is stepping down after 30 years but will remain at the company as Creative Director and Founder, working closely with Grapin and the senior team. He will spend more time working closely with the Design Teams and with clients.
Jane Winch, who started the company with Andrew, will also step down from her role as Managing Director and will assume a non-executive position.
The appointment and staff changes comes as part a management plan focussed on expanding its leadership team to maximise the longevity of the company and to achieve sustainable growth. This appointment ties in with Clive Beharrell recently joining the team as Non-Executive Chairman, Beharrell is expected to work closely with Grapin.
Winch commented; “I am delighted to have Clive and Aino on board. This marks a really exciting time for the business as we bring such talented and highly-regarded individuals into our team. I know that together we will ensure the long term success of the Company.”
Grapin has almost 20 years’ experience in leading and growing businesses in creative industries. Previously she was the Managing Director at Paddle8 ¦ Auctionata, a leading online auction house, in this role she was responsible for setting up the company’s European operations. Grapin started her career as a strategy consultant with Bain & Company, before spending nearly a decade at Christie’s, in a variety of strategic and operational roles, more recently as International Business Director, responsible for Russian Art. She has an MBA for INSEAD.
Both Grapin and Beharrell have been purposefully recruited from outside the superyacht and private aviation industries, to provide a fresh perspective and high-level business experience from other relevant sectors.
Aino-Leena Grapin commented: “Winch Design has always been innovative and creative in its designs and the same should apply to its business vision. The company has grown tremendously in the past 30 years and is in a very strong position, thanks to Andrew, Jane and their talented team. I am very excited to lead Winch Design into this new phase.”
Launched in 1986, Winch Design has grown substantially since its creation with global success as a superyacht designer. Over 15 years ago the business expanded into private aviation design and then into architecture in 2008. Based in London the firm currently employs over 70 people.
