CEO Series: John Lu tells of new flagship, new facilities and new markets for Horizon Yachts

The 2024 Horizon Open House, which was held between 5-7 March, brought together owners, partners and press from around the world to celebrate the international debut of four new Horizon motor yachts. BOAT International US editor-in-chief Cecile Gauert sat down with CEO John Lu at the event to hear how he built one of Taiwan's preeminent yacht builders, plans for new models at either end of the size spectrum and where Horizon Yachts will expand to next.

Is Horizon Group CEO John Lu serious about opening a fried chicken restaurant? On stage in front of owners, dealers, suppliers and friends for the gala dinner kicking off the company’s 2024 open house in March, Lu showed a side of him that not everyone knows, his sense of humour. Acknowledged as an innovative and skilled entrepreneur – BOAT International's sister publication IBI awarded Lu a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 – he said his road to success wasn’t always smooth.