Torqeedo, the Germany electric outboard manufacturer, has named Steven Trkla as president of its US operations. Trkla will replace Olaf Knueppel who, according to a statement, has resigned to "pursue family interests".

"Steven has played a crucial role in bringing momentum into Torqeedo's launch in the US market," said company co-founder and managing partner Dr Christoph Ballin in the statement. "We look forward to our US business continuing to grow under his leadership."

Trkla was most recently Torqeedo's national sales manager. Before that, he was vice president of sales at Red Oak Marketing. He has also worked for other high-tech companies.

Torqeedo was founded in 2005, and entered the US market a year later. Its electric outboard engines combine lithium batteries with advanced motor technology and propeller design.