Superyacht recruitment agency appoints lead recruiter as it expands into skilled trades

Superyacht recruitment agency SYR has appointed Curtis Harkin to lead all skilled trades recruitment activity for the business, working with both new and existing customers to provide both temporary and permanent solutions.

Founded in 2021, SYR is an international agency that supports all shoreside aspects of yachting. The firm says that, due to unprecedented demand from the global yacht building industry, it has grown quickly in its first year of operation. SYR now covers the recruitment of yacht brokers, designers and shipyard management, among other roles.

Harkin’s appointment comes as a result of this ongoing industry demand and a need to secure skilled yacht-building talent.

Harkin started his career with a marine engineering apprenticeship, and has nine years of technical recruitment experience. He will be working to evolve the SYR brand in the market for skilled trades.

“I believe the industry-specific focus of SYR meets the growing demand for expert recruitment services, which is backed by the passion and knowledge of the SYR team,” says Harkin. “I look forward to helping people in the industry find rewarding and exciting jobs, delivering for SYR clients, and being part of the continued growth at SYR.”

Ed Ewer, CEO of SYR, adds: “I’ve known Curtis since his early days in maritime recruitment and was always impressed with his ability to network within the trades. When we got back in contact in late 2021, and he expressed an interest in returning to yachting, it was an easy decision to invite him to join SYR.

“He is one of very few within maritime trades recruitment who brings actual hands-on knowledge of the trades he recruits for, and this will be invaluable to us, a business that prides itself on sector knowledge.”