Engine Manufacturers Division Names New Industry Chair
The appointment of a new chair marks a shift in leadership for marine engine manufacturers for the 2027-28 term.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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The National Marine Manufacturers Association has appointed Mike Lindberg to lead its Engine Manufacturers Division. Lindberg, currently vice president of marine at Ilmor, will take over for the 2027-28 term.
Why it matters
The change in leadership within this division dictates the strategic direction for engine-related industry standards and advocacy. This transition marks the end of the two-year term held by outgoing chair Ben Speciale.
Mike Lindberg assumes the chair position for a term spanning the 2027-28 period, following the conclusion of a two-year term by his predecessor. The division oversees standard-setting and advocacy for engine manufacturers within the U.S. marine industry.
The players
Mike Lindberg
The newly elected chair of the Engine Manufacturers Division and vice president of marine at Ilmor, a high-performance engine manufacturer.
Ben Speciale
The outgoing chair who led the division for two years and currently serves as the president of Yamaha's U.S. Marine Business Unit.
National Marine Manufacturers Association
The national trade association representing the U.S. recreational boating and marine manufacturing industry.
Engine Manufacturers Division
A specialized unit within the National Marine Manufacturers Association focused on the regulation and manufacturing standards for marine engines.
The details
The Engine Manufacturers Division elects a chair to oversee its operational oversight and industry-wide initiatives. As the incoming chair, Lindberg will balance his new responsibilities with his existing role as vice president of marine at Ilmor. He will also maintain his established seat on the association's executive committee to ensure continuity.
Timeline
Ben Speciale served as chair for the two-year period spanning 2024 to 2026.
Mike Lindberg is scheduled to lead the division for the 2027-28 term.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established two-year rotation cycle set by the division's 2024-2026 leadership term. The move continues the industry trend of rotating technical and business leadership to align with evolving manufacturing standards.
Operators in the marine engine space should monitor the division's upcoming regulatory agenda for shifts in compliance standards. The transition suggests a period of continuity as the incoming chair retains his existing committee post.
The takeaway
The election of Mike Lindberg signals a continuation of established executive committee priorities for the next two years. Operators should review the upcoming 2027-28 legislative and regulatory roadmap published by the association for impact on engine production requirements.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, view our latest People analysis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Trade Only Today.
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