WATERSPORTS specialist Rockley has announced the appointment of a new managing director.

Pip Woods, who was previously director of sales and marketing, has worked for the company for 12 years and is often seen in the water in her roles as an RYA coach assessor and RYA centre inspector.

She was recruited to Rockley as an RYA Onboard development officer, helping to pilot the scheme that promotes sailing and windsurfing among young people. Her career progressed both on and off the water and she completed coaching qualifications as well as taking over the management of sales and marketing for the Rockley Group.

She said: “I am really excited to progress my role within the Rockley team. Three generations of the Woods family have worked for Rockley, which shows how much of a family inspired company we are.

“I am looking forward to the new challenges my role will bring and hope that I can continue to help grow and expand on the services we provide.”

Previous MD and owner Peter Gordon has moved to the post of financial director.

He said: “I have been working in the business for over 30 years and felt the time was right to offer our senior management team of Rob Clark (operations director) and Pip Woods the opportunity to take Rockley forward on the next steps of our journey.

“Pip has great personal attributes that have brought strength and cohesion to the team and we have seen her grow in her own development whilst helping steer the company to this point.

“I am fortunate enough to be in a position where the company is in a strong position, having had some of our best years financially in spite of the challenging economic climate. “By changing my role to financial director I will be in a position to support Pip and Rob whilst they take the business forward. This will also then allow me to commit further to my other roles as chairman of National Boat Shows, committee member of BMF Wessex and various other positions within the region.