Marathon Boat Group named David Hegel director of sales and marketing. A marine industry veteran, Hegel will be responsible for implementing growth strategies for the company’s product lines, while improving the sales and service network. He will be based in Raleigh, N.C., and will report to KK Tiwari, president of MBG.

“David impresses me not only with his key insights into the boating industry,” Tiwari said in a statement. “During the last 70 years, MBG has built a reputation as a world-renowned innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of canoes, jonboats, fishing boats and pontoons under the Grumman and DuraNautic brands. David’s vast knowledge and years in the boat business will enhance the heritage MBG has already established.”

Hegel has an extensive background in marine retail, including building a new sales division for a boating industry leader in another business area. In 1999, he joined Operation BASS as director of sponsor relations. Before that, he was held different executive positions at Outboard Marine Corp.

Hegel’s father owned a dealership in South Carolina, and his boating industry career began while he was in college working at Sea Ox boats in various roles. Hegel grew up on the water and has a bachelor of science in industrial technology with a concentration in technical sales from East Carolina University.

Marathon Boat Group was recently acquired by Altair Investments, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on small- and middle-market industrial growth businesses.