75 Years of Leading the Way

As Northrop & Johnson celebrates 75 years at the forefront of the yachting industry, it’s clear that this is more than just a milestone—it’s a testament to decades of innovation, integrity and a commitment to excellence. From its roots as a Gentleman’s Brokerage to its current status as a global marketing powerhouse, Northrop & Johnson has redefined what it means to deliver extraordinary experiences on the water. In a conversation with Chairman Kevin Merrigan and President & Chief Commercial Officer Cromwell Littlejohn, Navigator explores the evolution of this iconic brand and its vision for the future of yachting.

The Experts

Kevin Merrigan, Chairman

The story of Northrop & Johnson may have begun in New York City, but it was Newport, Rhode Island, the American home of yachting, where Kevin began his maritime career 37 years ago. As Chairman, Kevin has taken the company to new levels, but what has always remained is its focus on honesty, integrity, and fair play.

Cromwell Littlejohn, President & Chief Commercial Officer

Cromwell Littlejohn has weathered many a storm during his extensive and diverse career in yachting. His 40-plus years’ experience in many sectors of the industry, combined with no small degree of excellent business acumen, has helped build Northrop & Johnson into the leading superyacht powerhouse that it is today.

How has Northrop & Johnson changed over the years?

Kevin When I joined Northrop & Johnson, we had a reputation as being a “Gentleman’s Brokerage” with the focus on honesty, integrity, and fair play. I am exceptionally proud that our excellent reputation continues today, and I have no doubt that given the quality of our people, our stellar reputation will continue for the next 75 years.

Crom Thanks to Northrop & Johnson stalwarts like Kevin, the company retains its reputation for being a trustworthy and honest brokerage house. However, it has also grown into a marketing powerhouse, leading the industry through technological and marketing acumen. Today, we have 11 offices around the world and over 240 talented people working to provide the highest quality yachting experience. In-house we have dedicated video, marketing, partnership, technical management, IT, deep data, legal, accounting, crew placement, wholesale and retail charter, and of course, new build, purchase, and sales departments. We believe all of these in-house skills enable us to be at the forefront of providing a well-integrated and enjoyable customer experience.

How has yachting changed as an industry in the 30-plus years that you have been involved?

Kevin Yachting was a very small community when I started. It was years before I got a seat at the “adult table,” sitting side-by side with the outstanding brokers of the time. Having participated in various yachting organizations, such as the International Yacht Broker’s Association (IYBA), Mediterranean Yacht Broker’s Association (MYBA), Leading Yacht Broker’s Association (LYBRA), and California Yacht Broker’s Association (CYBA), it has been a pleasure being involved in the growth and refinement of the industry. When I started, a $100,000 deal was significant. Today, a multi-million-dollar transaction is not unusual; the industry has grown to be able to safely and efficiently manage large deals with excellent client protection. The technical and safety aspects have improved significantly. Yachts continue to run more predictably, safely, and professionally. There is a high level of personnel training, technological advances, and propulsion advances minimizing environmental impact. Safety standards are much more like commercial aircraft standards now. Safety protocols are constantly monitored, evaluated, and improved.

Crom Superyachts have come a long way over the past 75 years, not only in terms of safety and the evolution of design during this period, but in the sheer number of yachts on the water. This last decade alone, we have seen prevalent developments toward zero-emission yachting and I believe the next few decades will see some of the most ambitious leaps forward that the industry has ever seen.

Kevin What hasn’t changed is the comradery and lending assistance in times of need. Hurricanes, floods, medical emergencies, you still see yachtsmen around the world pitching in to help. This is a community where you can feel at home anywhere in the world where there is water and a boat. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this family.

Northrop & Johnson has become part of the larger MarineMax Superyacht Division. How do you see this affecting existing Northrop & Johnson clients?

Crom Quite simply, being part of the global superyacht powerhouse permits us to leverage client-facing assets no other firm can offer. This ability ensures that our loyal clients receive the most comprehensive service for all their yachting needs, from a trusted, knowledgeable source.

Do you have a particular ethos that you like to promote at Northrop & Johnson that differentiates it as a company?

Kevin We pride ourselves, and work tirelessly, to create an extraordinary yachting experience. The reputation and success of Northrop & Johnson relies on our people. Every member of the NoJo team is vitally important in facilitating our clients’ enjoyment of yachting to the fullest. Our people are honest, knowledgeable, and without a doubt, the most valuable part of Northrop & Johnson. Without our team, we would not enjoy the reputation and success we are so proud of today, and I never would have been able to enjoy this wonderful journey.

Crom Northrop & Johnson differs from other brokerage houses with our team-like mentality. We understand that strong relationships within the company are as important as those with our clients, ensuring that we can ultimately provide extraordinary service. We are much more dynamic and forward-thinking in our use of technology and data than the great majority of brokerage companies thanks to the strength of MarineMax; smaller firms simply don’t have the resources to compete in this area. With these strengths, and the enormous firepower our parent company brings, we can’t wait to see what the next 75 years reveal!

How is Northrop & Johnson adapting to new markets?

Crom Northrop & Johnson has always been at the forefront of technological evolutions, setting the bar for demand generation. We recognized early on the importance of focusing on the experience that yachting can deliver rather than simply concentrating on the yachting real estate. Whether clients are looking for a multigenerational family charter or they are first-time owners looking to explore the world with a young family, our team of experts recognizes that owning or chartering a yacht is about far more than simply advising on the most suitable yacht. It’s also about creating moments, looking at each individual with a fresh perspective, and bringing the yachting experience to life. Our teams do much more than simply meeting their clients’ requirements.

What new markets will Northrop & Johnson be targeting in the next year or two?

Crom Northrop & Johnson is currently the fastest-growing yacht brokerage in Europe and Asia. We fully entered the European market five years ago and have made exceptional headway there in a short period. We have also been in the Asia-Pacific region since 2011 and are currently growing our teams and footprint in this area. While it’s currently not a huge growth market we think it will be soon. We also have plans for the Middle East. Watch this space.