Jeff Harris Named Iconic Marine Group’s New Chief Operating Officer

Jeff Harris, an accomplished marine industry veteran and legendary Hall of Fame boat racer, has been named Chief Operating Officer of Iconic Marine Group, according to a press release from the Washington, N.C., parent company of the Fountain Powerboats, Baja Marine and Donzi Marine brands.

Jeff Harris, who was part of the Fountain Powerboats team that attempted to break the V-bottom kilometer speed record in February, is taking on a larger role with the company as its new chief operating officer. Photo by Jason Johnson/Speedonthewater.com

Best known for a storied racing career that includes seven world speed records along with eight world and 12 national boat racing championships, Harris’ primary strength is his hands-on experience in every aspect of boat manufacturing, sales and customer service. Among the first employees at Fountain Powerboats, Harris has done it all.

“Jeff and I worked side-by-side rolling glass on that first boat 40 years ago,” said company founder Reggie Fountain. “Whether it’s boat design, hull construction, rigging, sales, warranty or talking to customers at a boat show, Jeff’s understanding of what it takes to make a boat company work is unmatched. Behind the wheel of a center console sport cruiser, a high-performance V-bottom or a 185-mph Unlimited Superboat, there’s nobody better.”

Harris, who most recently has been the throttleman for the Wake Effects team alongside owner Rusty Rahm, grew up and continues to lives near Iconic’s base of operations along the Pamlico River in Washington.

“Nobody respects Iconic’s heritage more than I do,” said Harris about his goals for IMG. “From day one we’ve enjoyed a competitive edge and I’m going to build on that. Whether it’s Fountain’s 43’ NX flagship, the revolutionary Donzi 41’ GT or the popular Baja 27’ Outlaw, boaters expect a performance advantage from Iconic. My job is to add all I’ve learned in racing and manufacturing to an already winning formula.”

Harris has some big shoes to fill, following the sudden passing of former COO Joe Curran (read the story here), a well-respected marine industry veteran who is sorely missed around the factory.

“Jeff is the latest addition to IMG’s world-class management team,” said Fred Ross, managing partner of IMG. “When we met, I knew instantly that Jeff was the right leader at the right time. He joins IMG on a wave of momentum as the company just completed a record-setting quarter. My intent is to dominate in every category of boats we build and I’m confident nobody can take us there faster than Jeff Harris.”

Jeff Harris Named Iconic Marine Group’s New Chief Operating Officer

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