Starting a career with Jeanneau
Born in 1956, Merry de La Poeze joined Chantiers Jeanneau in the early 1980s. At the age of 24, he joined the sales team in France, where he briefly devoted himself to marketing Jeanneau sailboards, then in full expansion.
He soon took charge of the division dedicated to the "Eau Vive" and "Eau Claire" river barges, several of which still sail today. Later, he oversaw the development of ranges dedicated to professional fishing, contributing to the creation of the highly successful Merry Fisher range, thousands of which sail around the world.
A life dedicated to motorboating
Between 1993 and 1995, he worked with André Dauxin at OMC. As Managing Director of OMC France, he developed the marketing of Evinrude and Johnson engines, and established a strong partnership with Jeanneau. During this period, he also sat on the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), representing engine manufacturers.
After OMC's US parent company went bankrupt in 2000, Merry joined White Shark, where he worked until 2003.
At the same time, he was a director of GPO from October 1991 to February 2023, serving as Secretary between November 1992 and November 1995, then as Vice-Chairman from November 1995 to January 2024.
A pillar of the Beneteau group
In 2004, Jean-Paul Chapeleau invited him to return to Jeanneau, within the Bénéteau Group. He became director of product marketing for the Jeanneau and Prestige engine ranges, before the latter became an independent brand under the management of Jean-François de Premorel in 2009.
Merry made a significant contribution to the expansion and success of the engine ranges, first in Europe, then internationally, particularly in America. He contributed to the rise of the emblematic Leader and Merry Fisher ranges, and more recently to the launch of the DB series.
In 2020, before retiring, Merry will take on new responsibilities. He will put his experience to good use, supporting the engine product marketing teams of the Bénéteau Group's various Dayboating brands.
A unanimous tribute
Many people reacted to the news of his death, which occurred on a racetrack in the south of France. Dealers and former colleagues alike have expressed their sympathy for an honest, caring and perfectionist man.
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. "
His last words on the day of his retirement " Thank you, that was good, reflect the feelings of an entire profession towards this endearing personality.
The BoatIndustry editorial team extends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, and to the entire Beneteau family of professionals.
