Riviera finalises appointment of new senior management team

Riviera has appointed the final member of its senior management team to help continue the company’s recovery and growth. 

The finalisation of this team is an integral part of the company’s extensive process to exit receivership.
Riviera’s new general manager of global sales, Darren Wallace started with Riviera this month and has 19 years experience in international sales management, is a Six Sigma green belt and holds a Bachelor of Science.

Darren joins six other members of Riviera’s senior management team including Chief Executive Officer John Anderson, Director of Brand and Communication Stephen Milne, Chief Financial Officer Neal McCulloch, Chief Operating Officer Paul Lyons, General Counsel Cherriee Ludemann, and Human Resource Manager Deanne Lugton.

Darren brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Riviera through his varying sales management roles which span international markets including Europe, and Asia.

Riviera CEO John Anderson said Darren was an asset to the team. “In his previous management roles, Darren has developed, implemented and managed numerous strategic plans which have resulted in significant business improvements.  I look forward to working with him and I am positive he will be a strong contributor to our future success in his role as head of global sales,” John said.

Riviera’s senior management team are all experts in their respective fields and brings more than 100 years of combined knowledge and experience to the lead team of the organisation.

John Anderson has a 28 year career in the boating industry working with Sea Ray in the United States and Four Winns.  He was appointed Riviera’s Director of Operations in 2007 before becoming CEO in 2008.

Stephen Milne has more than 30 years experience in marine publishing and marketing.  For 17 years Stephen operated his own advertising and marketing organisation listing many of the marine industries international brands as clients.  He joined Riviera in 2004 as Riviera’s Director of Brand and Communications.

Neal McCulloch has more than 30 years experience in finance and management.  He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and holds a Bachelor of Business. Neal joined Riviera in 2010 as Chief Financial Officer.

Paul Lyons also joined Riviera in 2010 as Chief Operating Officer and has more than 18 years experience in the marine industry.  He has extensive senior operational management experience with multi-national companies including Brunswick Asia’s Pacific Boat Group.

Cherriee Ludemann joined Riviera in 2005 following six years working in law firms in Australia and London.  Cherriee holds a Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies, Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws.  She is a member of the Queensland Law Society, Australian Corporate Lawyers Association and Women Lawyers Association.

Deanne Lugton brings more than 12 years of generalist Human Resources experience to Riviera, including industrial relations, organisational change, occupational health and safety, training and recruitment.  Her career began in Sydney with world renowned hotel chain, Marriott International.  

Following that, Deanne stepped into a senior HR role with electrical manufacturer, HPM Industries gaining extensive industrial relations experience.  Deanne joined Riviera in 2004 in a HR advisory capacity providing support to Riviera’s apprenticeship program.  Her main focus was on recruitment to further grow the business.

In 2006 Deanne was promoted to a Senior HR position taking responsibility for Human Resources within manufacturing.  Deanne received another promotion in 2008 to Human Resources Manager.  Deanne holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resources; Workplace Training qualification and is a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute.

The high calibre of Riviera’s senior management team is testament to the brand and will ensure Riviera’s course of recovery is continued to be chartered in a measured and strategic manner as the global boat industry moves into recovery.