75 Years of Maritime Mastery -Northrop & Johnson
Northrop & Johnson, the global leader in luxury yacht brokerage and charter services, proudly celebrates our 75th anniversary this year. The Diamond Anniversary marks a significant milestone, symbolizing strength, brilliance, and resilience in an ever-evolving industry.
To commemorate this landmark anniversary, Northrop & Johnson is excited to announce a series of celebratory events and activations at the upcoming major yacht shows including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). These events will not only celebrate our storied history but also showcase our vision for the future of yachting, including fresh, reimagined stands for our clients and partners to enjoy during the shows.
The history of yachting is as rich and storied as the vessels that navigate the seas. At Northrop & Johnson, we have been privileged to contribute to this history, setting standards that others aspire to follow. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global leader has been driven by a passion for extraordinary experiences and a commitment to our clients.
From N&J’s inception in 1949, when visionary yachtsmen Jim Northrop and George Johnson opened the first office on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue, Northrop & Johnson has grown into a pioneering force within the yachting industry. Over the decades, the company has expanded its reach and influence, establishing itself as a beacon of innovation and excellence.
“Reaching our 75th anniversary is not just a reflection of our rich history, but also a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in yachting,” said Cromwell Littlejohn, President & CCO of Northrop & Johnson. “As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the industry, ensuring that our clients continue to receive unparalleled service and extraordinary experiences.”
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Northrop & Johnson experienced rapid growth, opening satellite offices in Connecticut, Florida, and Massachusetts. This expansion solidified our status as the leading yacht brokerage in the United States and paved the way for international growth. By the late 1970s, N&J had extended our reach with offices in Cannes, France, Newport, Rhode Island, California, and Spain.
For 75 years, Northrop & Johnson has been at the forefront of the yachting industry, adapting to change and setting new standards of excellence. As we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, we remain committed to innovation, growth, and delivering exceptional experiences to our clients worldwide.
Today, under the leadership of industry leaders like our President & CCO Cromwell Littlejohn, Northrop & Johnson continues to push boundaries. Our acquisition by MarineMax in 2020 and the subsequent launch of Fairport Global in 2023 and the MarineMax Superyacht Division in 2024 have redefined what it means to be a full-service brokerage house. Northrop & Johnson continues to lead in the yacht industry by strengthening our core markets, expanding into key regions and pushing the boundaries of marketing, intelligence and technology in close partnership with MarineMax to benefit our clients, brokers and global staff.
About Northrop & Johnson
Since 1949, Northrop & Johnson, a member of the MarineMax family, has offered extraordinary yachting experiences by surpassing all expectations at every opportunity. From yacht sales and purchase to yacht charter and charter marketing to yacht management of the world’s most impressive luxury vessels, and expert crew placement services, Northrop & Johnson offers a total-service approach. Northrop & Johnson is proud to serve clients around the world with locations in all major yachting hubs around the globe. Our industry-leading record of yacht sales, growing charter fleet, and global expansion are a testament to our extraordinary people, both clients and team members. We believe when you put people first, success follows.