SD Marine Interiors appoints new managing director

Part of the SD group of companies, the business provides a full range of marine interior design and build services to cruise operators worldwide.

Having spent over a decade working in the marine outfitting industry, Dawkins’ move to SD follows his role as director of sales for Trimline, where he led the sales and marketing division and advised on all commercial aspects of the business for a number of years.

Nick Jones, managing director at SD group of companies, called Dawkins, ‘an extremely well-respected and experienced figure in the cruise industry and I can think of no better person to be at the forefront of our marine interiors outfit. He’s worked with some of the best names in the business, and we’re delighted to have his expertise on board.’

Jones added, ‘He already has ambitious plans for the marine interiors division and I look forward to seeing what the coming months bring for this team.’

Cruise work

SD Marine Interiors is supported by over 120 full-time hard surface repair technicians, seven distribution sites across the UK and a wider team of over 200 providing sealants and outfitting services for cruise operators including Windstar, AIDA and Phoenix Reisen.

Dawkins commented, ‘We’re expecting to add some new faces to the marine interiors team very shortly, and given that the wider SD team is very focused on sustainable methods of construction, I’m eager to explore new opportunities within the cruise sector for us to take as green an approach as possible.’

Launched in 1973, SD Sealants and Cosmetic Repairs originated as a family run business in Somerset that specialised in the supply and application of sealant. Since then, it has steadily grown to be one of largest finishing and repairs specialists in the UK with nine offices across England, Scotland and Wales.

In 2019, the SD team took its experience and knowledge of sealants, resins and hard surface repairs and developed an outfitting service for the marine sector.