Shoreham-based Cox Powertrain, a leading British manufacturer of high-powered diesel outboard engines for the global marine industry, has appointed Hugh Hudleston as head of sales (pictured).

He is responsible for the sales and distribution of the new CXO300 diesel outboard motor and managing Cox’s key relationships with its network of 35 distributors in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia.

He is an experienced businessman with a 12-year track record of building businesses to capital raising and sales. He was a co-founder of FIXR, a leading ticketing and event management platform in the UK student community which launched in 2014, and which now operates in over 60 universities across the country.

Mr Hudleston began his career in institutional equity sales at Matrix Corporate Capital, a private financial services group, and then was a partner at Hawkwood, a capital-raising and corporate advisory to smaller UK companies.

Ramping up production
Cox has been ramping up production of the CXO300 since commencement of production in May this year. To date, engines have been shipped to Singapore, France, Sweden and the USA with entry into further geographical markets expected this year.

Over the course of the last 10 years, the company has raised £100 million of private investment, a powerful testament to the credibility of the engine concept and the high-level of expertise behind its development.

Mr Hudleston is an experienced mariner with broad experience and a keen interest in classic powerboats and sailing. He spent four years as a director of the British Powerboat Racing Club, has RYA Powerboat Level qualifications up to an advanced level and has successfully competed in offshore powerboat racing.

He brings with him a broad knowledge of the marine industry, specifically the key leisure market for Cox as it continues to accelerate the global roll-out of its CXO300 outboard motor.

Tim Routsis, CEO of Cox Powertrain, said: “With a successful track record of growing businesses and a passion for our industry, Hugh is the ideal candidate to fulfil this role and help us achieve our business goals in becoming a leading powertrain manufacturer and key player in the global marine engine market.”

Mr Hudleston said: “I am very excited to have joined Cox Powertrain. It is a truly innovative British company, which, as the only manufacturer of a 300hp diesel outboard engine, is offering a brand new product in a brand new product category.

“The response from distributors has been extraordinarily encouraging, and now that production of the engine is due to ramp up, I am looking forward to helping to secure Cox's position as outboard engine supplier of choice for its target markets in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia.”