Gulf Craft appoints Chief Executive Officer to drive new growth strategy

• New CEO will focus on driving a new global growth strategy and further strengthen its integrated in-house design and production capabilities

Jeddha, KSA: Gulf Craft, among the world’s premier shipyards, today announced the appointment of Talal Abdin Nasralla as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Talal joined Gulf Craft in late 2020 as Chief Strategy Officer. His mission will be to implement the company’s new global growth strategy with a focus on strengthening  its continued development and capabilities.

Talal Abdin Nasralla said: “Gulf Craft pioneered professional yacht and boat building in the UAE and is today one of the world’s first and only fully integrated production facilities. Operating from its hubs in the UAE and the Maldives, the company’s build and design quality and performance have earned the admiration of the global yachting industry. With the deep experience and insights of our Chairman and the board guiding us, we will leverage Gulf Craft’s competencies as a proud ‘Made in UAE’ company delivering world-class yachts to the world.” 

Talal has a deep understanding of the UAE market and has worked for some of the key players in the banking sector. He was previously Director of Private Banking at Barclays PLC, overseeing and managing high net worth clients’ assets, having also worked as Director at Credit Suisse AG. He was also a Director of the Executive Office at Shuaa Capital PSC, playing a key role in fund raising and managing large-scale projects in the hospitality and real estate sectors. In addition, Talal was a Board Member of Gulf Finance Corporation and Shuaa Capital Saudi Arabia. He started his career as a Business Development Officer at DMCC’s Dubai Diamond Exchange and then as Business Development Manager at the Emirates Credit Information Company (emCredit).

Gulf Craft’s Chairman Mohammed H. Alshaali said: “Building on our nearly four decades of heritage in yacht and boat manufacturing, we are now focused on an expansion strategy that will take the Gulf Craft brand to new territories globally. Talal, who brings over 15 years of experience, will lead our management team to strengthen the company’s position as a global industry leader.”

Abeer Alshaali, who was acting CEO, will take on the role of Deputy Managing Director, reporting to the Chairman, and extending guidance to the executive management team. She will also oversee the expansion of the company’s network in the US, Europe, and other key markets.

Abeer Alshaali said: “In my interim role as acting CEO, we built a professional and strong management team that can lead our company into the next level of growth. With the shifts the industry has seen recently, we are now focused on diversifying our product lines. Talal has developed a roadmap for Gulf Craft’s growth, and he will focus on delivering it.”

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About Gulf Craft: 

Since the company’s inception in 1982, Gulf Craft has grown to become one of the top seven shipyards in the world. From being a builder of small fishing boats in modest premises, a genuine passion for the sea led Gulf Craft to establishing its credentials as a leader of innovation and technology in the yachting industry.

With five brands in the product portfolio, ranging from 31 to 175 feet, Gulf Craft manufacturers yachts and boats that appeal to a wide audience such as touring passenger vessels, Silvercraft family day boats, Oryx Sport Cruisers, Nomad Explorer Yachts, and the flagship Majesty Yachts. Utilising advanced technology, powerful engineering, timeless design, and world-class craftsmanship, Gulf Craft is today recognised as one of the world’s premier yacht manufacturers.

For more information, please contact:
Rachel Mansour
ASDA’A BCW: rachel.mansour@bcw-global.com 

© Press Release 2021