MDL Marinas has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointments of Daniel Chown as finance director and Sophie Kirkpatrick as head of sales and marketing, as the business enters a significant new phase of investment and growth.
The appointments coincide with MDL’s launch of a multi-million-pound 2026/27 growth strategy aimed at reinforcing its position as the UK’s leading marina group.
With major capital projects planned across the portfolio, the business is investing in both its infrastructure and its leadership capability to underpin long-term development. The first phase of capital projects are planned at five key marinas. The substantial investment programme includes four new waterfront restaurants, upgraded berth holder facilities, specialist berthing for narrowboats and jet skis, building refurbishments and improved parking across several locations.
Daniel Chown joined MDL in late 2025 as finance director, bringing 19 years of senior finance experience across multiple sectors. In his role, Chown is responsible for financial strategy, forecasting, governance and operational efficiency, ensuring robust financial oversight as MDL delivers its ambitious investment plans.
Sophie Kirkpatrick joins MDL as head of sales and marketing, bringing senior leadership experience across the leisure, tourism and hospitality sectors. She will lead the sales and marketing strategy, focusing on long-term brand building, customer acquisition, retention and loyalty, product development and revenue growth across MDL’s marinas, holiday parks and gym brands.
Sophie’s background in destination-led leisure businesses and premium customer experiences aligns with MDL’s ambition to position its marinas as vibrant waterfront destinations.
Most recently, Kirkpatrick led sales and marketing for The Hut restaurant on the Isle of Wight, where she delivered brand expansion, CRM transformation, pricing strategy and large-scale events, successfully attracting international leisure and yachting audiences and driving commercial growth.
As part of the multi-million-pound 2026/27 investment plan, MDL will continue its pontoon renewal programme across its portfolio of 19 marinas, and roll out the Meter MACS system to improve electricity supply for berth holders.
At Ocean Village Marina in Southampton (named marina of the year in 2025), the company will maintain its focus on premium superyacht berthing. It will also launch its Leadership Academy and Career Pathway programme to support colleague development. Alongside these initiatives, MDL is working with one of the UK’s leading branding agencies to refresh the brand, placing greater emphasis on its heritage, prime locations and strong customer community.
James Barnes, managing director of MDL Marinas, says: “We are delighted to welcome Daniel and Sophie to the business at such an important time for MDL. As we invest significantly across our marina network, it is vital that we have strong financial leadership and clear commercial direction. These appointments ensure we are well positioned to deliver our growth strategy while continuing to provide outstanding facilities and experiences for our customers.”
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