It’s with deep sadness that we learn of the accidental death of Merry DE LA POEZE, which occurred on Sunday November 17 on a racetrack in the south of France. We would like to pay tribute to the exceptional career of this passionate, visionary and deeply respected man.
MERRY DE LA POEZE: VISIONARY, BRILLIANT AND BENEVOLENT
Merry DE LA POEZE has left his mark on the world of yachting, both in France and abroad. Throughout his career, he has embodied the values of honesty, benevolence and perfectionism. Whether through his commitment to the development of JEANNEAU boats or his constant concern for innovation, Merry has combined his love of design with an attentive ear for the needs of yachtsmen and the requirements of a major industrial group such as Groupe Beneteau.
As Jean-Paul CHAPELEAU, former member of the Groupe Beneteau Management Committee and President of the French Nautical Industries Federation, points out: “Merry was a human person, honest and respectful, always caring and, smiling. A passionate man. He did a lot for yachting in his various roles, and was recognized by the entire profession. Merry was driven by the pursuit of perfection for the boats he developed, with an eye for practical, useful and attentive detail. He could put a lot of energy into imposing his convictions, but he was also good at giving advice and willing to pass on his knowledge. A complete and all-round person. Feet on the ground, head in the stars, always with enthusiasm, desire, creativity and ingenuity.”
A KEY FIGURE IN THE GROUPE BENETEAU AND THE BOATING INDUSTRY
Throughout his career, Merry has been one of the leading figures in the world of boating, both in France and abroad. Since his student days, he has been on the water, on the boats, whether as a yachtsman or accompanying the activity of a distributor shipyard during the summers.
Until his retirement at the beginning of 2023, Merry made a major contribution to the development of JEANNEAU’s engine ranges, and more recently those of other Groupe Beneteau brands.
A keen yachtsman himself, he knew how to reconcile his taste for design with the needs of our customers. His exceptional eye, his love of beautiful objects and, above all, his human values enabled him to develop over the long term a very strong collaboration with the Groupe Beneteau teams, as well as with designers Vittorio and Camillo Garroni, the Sarrazin Design team and Centkowski & Denert.
A visionary, he was able to anticipate market trends and develop ranges that are now market leaders: Cap Camarat, Leader, NC, DB and, of course, Merry Fisher.
A magnificent speaker, he knew how to get the JEANNEAU dealer network on board.
Respected and appreciated by in-house teams both in France and Poland, he was able to pass on his passion and prepare the handover to the younger generations of the Groupe Beneteau.
Samuel DUBOIS, Chief Sales Officer of the Dayboating BU:
“We have lost a dear friend and a wonderful colleague. He’ll be in our thoughts every time we come across on the water one of the many models he has developed.”
AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER SPANNING MORE THAN 40 YEARS
Born in 1956, Merry DE LA POEZE joined JEANNEAU plants on May 2, 1980. At the age of 24, he joined the French sales team and for a few months was in charge of marketing JEANNEAU sailboards, which were booming at the time.
He soon took charge of the “Eau Vive” and “Eau Claire” business unit for river barges.
“Eau Claire” barges, many of which still sail today. He became responsible for the development of the professional fishing ranges, later giving birth to the Merry Fisher success story.
More broadly, Merry was involved in developing the JEANNEAU sales network.
Between 1993 and 1995, Merry joined André DAUXIN at OMC. Becoming General Manager of OMC France, Merry developed the marketing of Evinrude and Johnson engines, and signed a strong partnership with JEANNEAU. During these years, Merry was also a member of the FIN board, representing engine manufacturers.
Following the bankruptcy of OMC’s US parent company in 2000, Merry joined White Shark until 2003.
He was also director of GPO from October 1991 to February 2023, secretary from November 1992 to November 1995, and vice-president from November 1995 to January 2024.
In 2004, Jean-Paul CHAPELEAU invited Merry to join JEANNEAU again, within the Beneteau Group, this time as Product Marketing Director for the JEANNEAU and PRESTIGE engine ranges, before PRESTIGE became a fully-fledged brand under Jean-François DE PREMOREL from 2009.
Merry made a major contribution to the accelerated development and success of engine ranges, first in Europe, then worldwide, particularly in America with the rise of the iconic Cap Camarat and Merry Fisher ranges, and more recently with the launch of the DB range.
From 2020 onwards, before retiring, Merry DE LA POEZE will take on new responsibilities and share his experience by supporting the motor product marketing teams of the Beneteau Group’s various Dayboating brands.
In February 2023, Merry retires and celebrates with the JEANNEAU dealer network, leaving a final word to his close collaborators: “Thank you, it’s been fun!”
Now it’s our turn to say a final THANK YOU to Merry for everything he has given us, both professionally and personally. We are deeply grateful for his generous and strong involvement.
Gianguido GIROTTI, CEO of the Boat division, would like to emphasize:
“All our teams and I held Merry in profound admiration. Merry has been first and foremost a man of profound intellectual integrity melted with an incredible passion an dedication for his job. A creative leader who, through his pursuit of perfection, was able to detect and shape exceptional products for thousands of happy customers.
Merry will miss to us enormously. We will miss the man, his ability to listen, understand, adapt and always support the truth and respect for the collective interest.
Thanks again for all you gave to us Merry.”
We extend our sincere condolences and support to his family and to all those who have lost a friend, a mentor and a valued and respected colleague.