Sunseeker International Chief Design Officer awarded honorary degree

Ewen was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the maritime industry and his commitment to Southampton Solent University.

Ewen has enjoyed an outstanding career spanning more than five decades in the marine industry, including over 40 years with Sunseeker International. During this time, he has designed more than 90 Sunseeker hulls ranging from 35 to 155 feet, styled the exteriors of over 60 yachts, and led the design and engineering of more than 160 projects alongside his in-house team.

His journey with Sunseeker began in 1985 when he joined Don Shead Ltd in Fareham, the then contracted design studio for Sunseeker. Tasked with working on a Sunseeker project from day one, Ewen has remained closely connected to the brand ever since.

In the late 1980s, he was instrumental in establishing Sunseeker’s in-house design office in Poole, which has since grown significantly. As Chief Design Officer, he now leads a team of around 60 design and engineering professionals.

Ewen’s connection to Solent University dates back to 1980, when he enrolled at the then Southampton College of Higher Education. During his studies, he gained hands-on industry experience through a placement at Rival Yachts in Woolston before joining the company full-time, contributing to the design and build of the Rival 36.

His passion for boatbuilding began even earlier. At the age of 15, Ewen started an apprenticeship with Eyemouth Boatbuilding Company, where he developed his interest in design while working in the mould loft and drawing office. During this time, he studied at James Watt College in Greenock and, in 1979, was awarded the CGLI first prize in the UK for a yacht and boatbuilding exam element.

Born in 1959 and raised on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Ewen developed a deep connection to the sea from a young age – a passion that has shaped his long career in marine design.

On receiving his award, Ewen said, “I am incredibly surprised and honoured to be awarded an honorary Doctor of Engineering from Southampton Solent University. I remember my time at the University back in the 1980s with genuine fondness and I can say with certainty that it was a great springboard toward my subsequent career. Designing and engineering motor yachts has been my lifelong passion, and I am both so excited and humbled to be recognised in this way”