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Azimut-Benetti, the World’s Largest Yacht Builder, Introduces a New CEO—and 9 New Boats

The Azimut- Benetti Group has named Marco Valle as its new chief executive officer. Valle, a 25-year veteran who was named CEO of Azimut Yachts in 2016, will now be chief executive of a joined Italian company that is uniting both brands for the first time. Azimut is considered one of the most respected production and semi-custom boat builders, while Benetti is the world’s largest builder of superyachts (by number of units), with a new gigayacht division with yachts over 330 feet.

Valle said in a press conference in Portofino, Italy, on Friday that he plans to “keep the two identities of the brands totally separate,” while also sharing the best practices of both groups. He said the company plans to increase its model numbers from 30 to 35, while also introducing nine new yachts over the next 18 months. “Since the beginning of the year, we’ve delivered 56 units and reasserted our dominance in yachts over 79 feet,” Valle added. “We’re also adding a new category of yacht that will be a trendsetter in the yachting world.”

Despite the complications of Covid-19 on production and distribution, Valle said the company saw its annual revenues increase from the start of the year, as demand soared for new boats.

In introducing most of its new models, the company also brought on stage a number of the different yacht designers it has worked with over the past decade, including Alberto Mancini, Ken Freivokh, Giorgio M. Cassetta, Enrico Bonetti, and Adrian Chisnell of RWD. The varied styles of these designers show the diversity of the different lines in the two brands.

Azimut’s new flagship model, called the Trideck was designed by Achille Salvagni and Alberto Mancini, and will debut in January. Azimut’s Flybridge 53, also designed too by Mancini, is likewise scheduled to make its debut. Mancini said that the Trideck will employ concepts of minimalism, taking its cues from the automotive industry. “It’s difficult to do because this type of yacht is not necessarily elegant, but we kept it as clean and linear as possible,” Mancini said during the press conference. “At the same time, you won’t believe how much space is available inside.”

Azimut also announced a new Magellano 30 Meter yacht as well as an upcoming Magellano 66 for 2021. For the US market, the brand will introduce a new Verve 42.

Benetti showed off its first Oasis 40 M in Portofino. The company said that 10 units have already been sold. Another Oasis will be added to that category. Benetti said it was adding another category called Motopanfilo , “which promises to restore to the fullest all the charm of the classic watercraft models that made the brand famous in the 1960s,” said Valle. The company also said a new 121-footer in its B.Yond category will be launched next September.

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Azimut Benetti, Marco Valle is the new CEO of the group

Important change in the Azimut-Benetti Group’s top management team which is preparing for a really important evolution. On September 1, 2020, engineer Franco Fusignani will hand over responsibility for the Benetti Division in the hands of Dr. Marco Valle , currently in charge of the Azimut division.

With this appointment, once again, the Azimut Benetti Group shows how it is possible to globally evolve while preserving the typical values of a “family-run” company, light years away from the financial logic that has negatively affected the yachting sector.

The appointment of Marco Valle is not random since, thanks to the experience gained in 25 years of activity within the company, he combines extraordinary business skills and the ability to work in continuum with the business spirit and Paolo Vitelli’s imprint.

Engineer Fusignani will continue to be part of Azimut Benetti’s Board of Directors after September 1, for his experience gained in fifty years of work, offering all the necessary support in order to guarantee the efficient management of the integrated business, the different offer of product, the separate marketing and after-sales services of the two brands and their strengthening on the market.

Obviously, the desire to preserve the specificities and values ​​of each brand, whose distinct identities are the basis of the Group’s success, remains confirmed but it is equally clear that this choice aims to encourage the organic and unitary management of the business, with advantages in terms of effectiveness, timeliness and efficiency.

” Marco Valle, who joined the company 25 years ago, goes to the full support of the Vitelli family and the Group Board of Directors for this new challenge, which he will certainly be able to take with the same spirit of success that has marked his work, first as commercial manager of Azimut Yachts and, for four years, as CEO of the Azimut division”,

” We thank Franco for the great work he has done and continue to do in Benetti and the future continuity of his presence in the Group. Continuity deemed important to face new challenges in the face of an evolving market and generational change of current management “.

Azimut Benetti Group

Azimut|Benetti is the largest and most prestigious yacht manufacturer in the world. With 138 sales and service centers in 80 countries, the Group includes the estabilished Azimut Yachts and Benetti brands, each dedicated to a different market segment. The group also includes Lusben, leader of all luxury yacht refit and repair projects.

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By SuperyachtNews 26 May 2020

Marco Valle to become Azimut Benetti's Group CEO from 1 September

After heading the group's azimut division for a number of years, valle will take charge of the group's benetti division as well….

The Vitelli family and the Azimut Benetti board of directors have announced that on 1 September 2020, Franco Fusignani, 75, will hand over responsibility of the group’s Benetti Division to Marco Valle, who remains in charge of the Azimut Division. Valle will take on the role of Group CEO with responsibility for both of the aforementioned divisions as a means encouraging integrated business management.

“Marco Valle, who joined the company 25 years ago, has the full support of the Vitelli family and the Group’s Board of Directors in this new challenge, which he will no doubt rise to with the same spirit of success that has been a distinctive feature of his work, first as Azimut Yachts sales director and for the last four years as CEO of the Azimut division,” comments Paolo Vitelli, Azimut Benetti Group Chairman. “We would like to thank Franco for the great work he has done and continues to do in Benetti, and for his continued future presence in the Group. This continuity is thought to be important to tackle the new challenges of an evolving market and generational change in the current management team.”

According to Azimut Benetti, this decision will encourage “an organic and unified approach to business management, benefitting effectiveness, rapid response and efficiency.” The group intends to preserve the unique identities of the two yachting brands. Fusignani will continue to sit on the board of Azimut Benetti after 1 September, further lending his 50 years of experience to the Azimut Benetti cause.

According to The Superyacht Agency, over the course of the last decade Benetti delivered an average of 10.5 superyacht projects per year, peaking in 2015 will 13 deliveries. However, with 15 deliveries scheduled for 2020, Benetti was due for its most prolific year to date. That being said, with impact of COVID-19 in Italy leading to shipyard closures, it is likely that Benetti will fall short of it’s 15 schedule deliveries. Nevertheless, it is hoped that the Italian superyacht building stalwart’s delivery schedules have not been too dramatically altered.

Since 2010, the average LOA of Benetti’s deliveries has fluctuated between 40.7-48.1m for a given year. However, 2020 may be the first year that Benetti’s average LOA creeps above 50m, with the projected deliveries expected to average out at 50.7m. While Benetti is largely known for being a production builder, its growing average LOA figures lend credence to the notion that Benetti is now a far more diverse shipyard than it is always given credit for being.

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Benetti’s New CEO Sees Exciting Changes Ahead for the Yachtbuilder

Ceo franco fusignani charts a course that includes even higher-quality builds and lower production cost..

Danielle Cutler

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Just before boat-show season kicked off this fall, Franco Fusignani moved into the CEO position at yachting giant Benetti after 25-year veteran Vincenzo Poerio . We asked Fusignani about his vision for the venerable company and the industry overall.

What changes do you think are needed in the industry as a whole?

I think the most significant is to improve the quality of the final product and reduce the cost of production. One of my primary goals is to introduce new production patterns to meet these areas of change.

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For example, during the design phase when all the technical details are defined, we design what’s requested by our customers directly with suppliers. This has proven successful in drastically reducing the time spent in the production phase by at least 10 percent.

A Delfino 95 at Benetti ‘s Viareggio yard.  Photo: Courtesy of Benetti

What kind of changes do you believe are necessary for Benetti’s next stage?

Benetti is a hugely successful shipyard with a long history in Viareggio and Livorno, Italy, so to be able to ensure our longevity as a yard, we are constantly in a state of development. This is an exciting stage for us right now. To manage the kinds of orders we have under construction to date, financial rigor and strict cost control are key areas of focus for Benetti. We have meticulously planned all activities in these projects to avoid dead times and overlaps, which impacts the reduction of the working capital in each phase of the construction of the boat—accounting for seven to 10 percent of the total value of the boat itself. This keeps us on time and on budget, but also increases the quality of the final product.

What are your business/production goals for the company?

I am a process and product quality guy. My role as CEO of Benetti is to act as the system integrator and facilitator. My focus is not on a single component but on putting everything and everyone together in the best way to meet our goals as a company. In a business such as ours, we need the right components and people who can get the job done.

Benetti Oasis 135.  Photo: Courtesy of Benetti

What is the biggest challenge ahead of you and Benetti?

Well, in terms of production we’re certainly busy, which is a challenge—but definitely one that we like. We’ve recently introduced a new model in our Class product line, the Delfino 95 . We’ve also just launched the new Oasis 135 and Diamond 145 models, which I’m confident will be some of our most successful models. On the custom side, Benetti introduced the BNow concept in collaboration with [UK-based studio] RWD, which drastically reduces delivery time. The four BNow models (50, 55, 63, and 68 meters) have incredible sales potential—in fact, the first unit was sold during the 2018 Cannes Yachting Festival.

Another challenge for us right now is optimizing the weight of technical components within yachting. Lighter weight means less consumption, which eventually translates into a more cost-effective product and lower environmental impact. We’re also looking for new materials to improve acoustics, reducing noise and vibration.

What are you most excited about?

Without a doubt, the three gigayachts that we currently have in construction at the yard! They come in at over 100 meters LOA and roughly 13,000 GT, and one of them is a complete hybrid. Upon delivery, she’ll be the largest hybrid yacht in the world, which we’re extremely proud of. They’re all going to hit the water in the next few months. The new models we’re introducing are also cause for excitement. We’ve worked with the top designers in the business, such as Achille Salvagni, Giorgio M. Cassetta, and the UK-based studio RWD. We’ve introduced new stylistic elements to these designs while remaining faithful to the fundamental principles that underpin Benetti’s long history and tradition.

Danielle Cutler started covering yachts, marinas, and the yachting industry in 2005. Besides writing and editing yacht content for Robb Report, Danielle has worked for Yachts International and the…

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Azimut Benetti promotes Marco Valle to Group CEO from September

Marco Valle becomes Azimut Benetti Group CEO on September 1, with current Benetti boss Franco Fusignani remaining on the Board of Directors.

Marco Vitelli, currently CEO of Azimut Yachts, will take on the role of Group CEO of Azimut Benetti on September 1, with full responsibility for both brands.

Azimut CEO Marco Valle will also be in charge of Benetti from September

Valle will remain in charge of Azimut and also take charge of superyacht builder Benetti, succeeding current Benetti CEO Franco Fusignani, 75, who will remain on the Group’s Board of Directors.

However, Azimut Benetti still had ‘the intention to preserve the specific characteristics and values of each brand, whose distinct identities form the basis of the Group’s success’. The announcement was made by the Board of Directors and the Vitelli family.

Azimut Yachts Launches e-Boat Show Series and Virtual Lounge

Paolo Vitelli, who founded Azimut Yachts in 1969 and is Chairman of Azimut Benetti Group, said: “Marco Valle, who joined the company 25 years ago, has the full support of the Vitelli family and the Group’s Board of Directors in this new challenge, which he will no doubt rise to with the same spirit of success that has been a distinctive feature of his work, first as Azimut Yachts Sales Director and for the last four years as CEO of the Azimut division.

“We would like to thank Franco for the great work he has done and continues to do in Benetti, and for his continued future presence in the Group. This continuity is important to tackle the new challenges of an evolving market and generational change in the current management team.”

Azimut Yachts Secures €30 Million in Contracts During Italy’s Lockdown

Marine Italia represents Azimut in Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macau, Taiwan and Singapore, while Benetti’s Asia Pacific office is in Hong Kong.

www.azimutyachts.com / www.azimutyachts.hk

www.azimutbenetti.it

www.benettiyachts.it

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Home | Our DNA

A worldwide excellence with a family soul.

Building the most beautiful, innovative, technological and reliable yachts, being able to provide assistance everytime and everywhere in the world, requires great passion and shared values, like in a large family. Every new decision or path taken by the Group is inspired by our passion for the sea, by inspiring innovation based on a solid tradition of excellence and by the commitment to pursue new solutions today for an ever more conscious and sustainable future of yachting. This is the inspiration with which the Vitelli family has always guided the Azimut|Benetti Group. An entrepreneurial culture guided by the family values and based on the enhancement of internal talents, on which has built its own stability, necessary to seize and anticipate future opportunities.

Paolo Vitelli

Born in Turin in 1947 into a family of entrepreneurs, he founded Azimut when he was just 21 years old to make his dream come true: to set up his own business that would allow him to professionally pursue his great passion for boats and yachting.

After graduating in Economics and Commerce, at the age of 22, he became an importer for Italy of boats produced by some of the most prestigious shipyards in Northern Europe. This experience made him realise that the future of boating lay in mass production aimed at building reliable and safe boats with Italian taste and style, promptimg him to begin production under his own brand.

In the mid-seventies, Azimut launched a series of boats that were a great success. In the following years, Vitelli expanded the range from 8-10 metres to larger models, up to the iconic Azimut Failaka 105′ (30.8 metres), which was also sold to the Onassis family, and began exporting to North America, South East Asia and the Middle East. In the Eighties, Vitelli acquired Cantieri Benetti, a Viareggio-based shipyard with a history stretching back more than a century, and created the Azimut|Benetti Group.

The Nineties marked a period of uninterrupted and continuous expansion, every year all the proceeds were invested in the company’s development. The passionate and enlightened leadership of Paolo Vitelli, already in the middle of the decade, enabled the Group to achieve a turnover of 100 billion lire, which in 2003 would reach 403 million euros. In addition to expansion into international markets, Vitelli realised that it was product innovation that gave the company a strong connotation of reliability and prestige. Thus, he aimed to create yachts characterised by a precise style, elegance and strong innovation, introducing interior layouts and design that would later be imitated throughout the nautical world. A choice that, in 2000, led the Azimut|Benetti Group to win the title of the world’s leading producer of megayachts, a supremacy it has held uninterruptedly for 23 years.

In the 2000s, Vitelli expanded its production sites, acquired new shipyards and strengthened its network of technical assistance centres for clients, and built a number of marinas such as the Marina di Varazze, the Marina di Mosca, the Marina di Valletta in Malta and the Marina di Livorno. During this period, Vitelli confirmed himself as a visionary entrepreneur by continuing to invest, the first in the yachting industry, in technological innovation with a view to eco-sustainability, aimed at achieving an ever greater reduction in emissions and propulsion efficiency, with increasingly high-performance hulls, increasingly less polluting propulsion systems and the use of new materials such as carbon fibre to lighten the product.

Over the past two years, Vitelli has taken advantage of a favourable market to consolidate the Group, both by strengthening the management team and by dedicating himself to completing the succession of the company to his daughter Giovanna.

Giovanna Vitelli

Since 2000, Giovanna Vitelli has been a member of the Board of Directors of Azimut|Benetti SpA. From 2004, she has intensified his active participation in the family business with a focus on corporate strategy and product development, reaching the position of Deputy – Executive Chairman with direction on new model development and Group R&D.

It is her contribution the opening towards external designers and the drive towards innovative propulsive solutions, managing to combine, with a concrete approach, “what is possible now”, with a strong ambition for the future of sustainable yachting. Since March 2023 she is Chair of the Group.

The passion for yachting and the will to work actively to promote a positive development of this industry in Italy and Europe, lead her to take part in the Board of Directors of Marina di Varazze S.r.l., a company dedicated to the construction and management of the tourist port of Varazze and of Lusben Varazze Srl, a company dedicated to the refit&repair of yachts. Giovanna Vitelli also sits in the executive committee of Boot Messe Düsseldorf, which manages the organization of the Messe Düsseldorf International Boat Show and is Vice President of Sybass, the international association of large megayacht manufacturers. She is dedicated to the promotion of Made in Italy around the world, not only as Chair of Azimut|Benetti, whose yachts are an epitome of elegance and style typically associated with the excellence of our Country, but also as Vice President of the Foundation Altagamma, which brings together the companies of the high Italian cultural and creative industry, ambassadors of Italian style in the world.

She is a member of the Board of Directors of Breithorn Srl, a company dedicated to the management of the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix, the Hotellerie de Mascognaz and the Hotel Breithorn in Champoluc (Aosta). Member of the Board of Directors of Buzzi Unicem Spa, an Italian multinational company specialized in the production of cement and concrete.

Since 2018 Giovanna Vitelli has been Honorary Consul of Norway for Piedmont.

Marco Valle

Marco Valle boasts over 25 years of experience in the Azimut|Benetti Group and is the example of talent enhancement that the company has always pursued.

In 1996 he took his first steps within the sales division of Azimut Yachts. He immediately embarked on a path of professional growth that led him to hold increasingly important positions, up to that of Global Sales Director of Azimut Yachts until 31 August 2016. From 1 September 2017 Marco Valle is the new Chief Executive Officer of Azimut Yachts and takes responsibility for the economic and managerial results of the business line.

From 1 September 2020 Marco Valle is the new Chief Executive Officer of the Group.

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Benetti Yachtmaster 2024: focus on lifestyle, sustainability and the role of the captain on board

The Benetti Yachtmaster 2024, held February 21-23 in Budapest, saw an extraordinary turnout of more than 300 participants from around the world, including captains, shipowner representatives, surveyors, hostesses, and industry professionals.

The event was held in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm and involvement, with intensive working sessions and informal networking moments that allowed industry experts to share their experiences and visions for the future of luxury yachting.

Lifestyle and Design: a new paradigm for luxury yachting

Purchasing a yacht today represents a lifestyle statement for owners. This translates on board to more informal and convivial use of spaces, which are harmoniously integrated with their surroundings through the innovative architectural solutions of Benetti’s Voyager Yachts. The shipyard also highlighted the growing interest in yachts suitable for adventure, emphasizing how the relationship between owner and crew plays a key role in the onboard experience.

In this context, the role of the captain and crew becomes crucial. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the yacht, they are responsible for creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring impeccable service to guests. The ability to understand and meet the needs of owners is essential to ensuring an unforgettable on-board experience.

The role of the captain

Azimut|Benetti Group CEO Marco Valle opened the event by emphasizing the importance of the captain’s role in establishing a relationship of trust and cooperation with the shipyard. The focus was on the personalization of services offered to owners and the constant assistance guaranteed, with the introduction of a dedicated service manager for each Benetti yacht.

During the Yachtmaster, workshops and interactive sessions were held to explore the role of the captain in the owner’s experience. They discussed how the captain can actively contribute to the design and construction of the yacht, providing valuable feedback and suggestions to the shipyard.

The evolving concept of luxury on board

Sebastiano Fanizza, Benetti’s Chief Commercial Officer , and Alessia Farci, Customer Experience Manager, highlighted the evolving concept of luxury on board, which is increasingly personalized and integrated with its surroundings. The role of the captain in understanding the owner’s needs throughout the yacht design and construction process was also explored.

Modern yacht owners are not just looking for a luxury mode of transportation, but rather a tailored experience that reflects their tastes and interests. Benetti Shipyard is committed to meeting these needs through a customer-focused approach that puts the owner’s experience at the center.

Sustainability and innovation following the green path

During the Yachtmaster, ample space was devoted to technological innovation and environmental sustainability. Anders Kurtén, CEO of Fraser , discussed the new demands of shipowners in terms of wellness spaces on board and highly specialized crews. Benetti’s green path was then presented, focusing on the introduction of innovative technologies to reduce environmental impact, such as the use of alternative biofuels and energy-saving systems.

Environmental sustainability has become a central theme in the marine industry, with more and more shipowners seeking eco-friendly solutions to reduce the impact of their activities on the planet. The Benetti shipyard is committed to developing increasingly energy-efficient yachts and using eco-friendly materials and technologies in their construction.

Education and Networking

The second day of the event was dedicated to education and networking, with workshops on leadership and management of shipboard operations. Guests had the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions and share their experiences with colleagues and industry professionals.

Benetti’s Yachtmaster will be repeated in Key West on February 28 and 29 , confirming its great success overseas.

(Benetti Yachtmaster 2024: focus on lifestyle, sustainability and the role of the captain on board – barchemagazine.com – February 2024)

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Charter club, news & events, azimut|benetti group is the world’s leading manufacturer of megayachts for a twenty-third consecutive year.

Azimut | Benetti Group earns the most important recognition in the nautical sector: first place in the annual ranking of Global Order Book 2023 by the authoritative magazine, Boat International. The Group’s primacy among builders of yachts over 24 meters follows from 53 years of passion for boating. Over the years, the family business has succeeded in combining technological innovation, elegantly impactful design solutions and a longstanding commitment to reduce emissions

With 168 projects under construction, totaling 5,991 meters in length , Azimut|Benetti Group leads, for the 23rd time in a row, the annual ranking of the largest yacht builders known as the Global Order Book by Boat International. The British nautical magazine has been collecting and analyzing data on the superyacht market since 1992 to chronicle the scope of the sector, which has risen to global significance.

The prestigious acknowledgment asserts Azimut|Benetti Group , active on 5 continents, as the world’s leading manufacturer among the 189 shipyards, both in number of projects and total length. The gap between first and second place grew sharply over the past year, as the Italian company founded by Paolo Vitelli extended its order portfolio into 2027, recording a production value of more than 1.2 billion euros for the current year.

(Courtesy of Boat International Media Limited)

The factors underlying the company’s lasting success are many, with their roots in a product strategy, a business model and an entrepreneurial vision that have stood the test of time, unmoved by market trends.

PRODUCT STRATEGY Technological innovation is one of the pillars supporting the success of Azimut|Benetti Group , which plans to invest 130 million euros in R&D over the next 3 years. While the effort aims at the development of new products and the use of cutting-edge technologies, above all it has delivered significant results in terms of sustainability . A rapidly growing share of yachts produced by the Group guarantee a 20 to 30% reduction in fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions , compared with equivalent shaft line models with hard-chine hulls. This result has been achieved by combining three key factors: the adoption of innovative propulsion systems including hybrid and electric ; the development of increasingly efficient hulls , tailored to master the challenges of each model’s mission; and extensive use of carbon fiber to reduce weight .

BUSINESS MODEL Azimut|Benetti Group owes its record-holding place, in part, to being a family-run business with a strong international vocation, together with other important aspects such as customer and marina services. The network, consisting of 80 dealers operating out of 138 sales and assistance offices all over the World, is built on an entrepreneurial culture of exceptional financial reliability. It’s essential, especially with regard to yachts with large volumes. The skills of the managers proved, once again, to add value as well. The presence of the second generation of the Vitelli family at the top of the company with Giovanna Vitelli as Vice President , and of Marco Valle as the CEO who boasts 25 years with Azimut|Benetti Group , in which he has covered numerous roles of great responsibility, exemplifies the company’s culture of growth from within that promotes the development of assets to gain a competitive edge.

ENTREPRENEURIAL VISION Building the most beautiful, reliable, technological and innovative boat, and assisting her always and everywhere, is the mission of Azimut|Benetti Group , which has always remained faithful to its values over 53 years in business. Particular attention has always been paid to developing trusting, lasting and even multi-generational relationships with employees and suppliers, with the aim to increase the shipyard’s production cycle by sharing the opportunities for growth and future development. Born of this entrepreneurial spirit, the Sea Your Future talent program , launched in 2022, has attracted the interest of more than 600 candidates from the best Italian and European universities with the chance to join an established international business that has recorded a 10% growth in new hires across all divisions.

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Azimut Yachts Division Announce New CEO

By B. Roberts

The Azimut-Benetti Group has announced the appointment of Paolo Casani as the new CEO of the Azimut Yachts Division – one of the leading companies in the luxury yacht sector.

Paolo Casani began a sterling career with the company in 2008 after 25 years of experience in the fashion and luxury goods sector. The Yachtique Division of Azimut-Benetti was successfully directed by Casani until he was appointed the new CEO of the Azimut Yachts Division.

Paolo Casani is set to take over many of the responsibilities carried by Gianni Cucco, the previous CEO of Azimut who holds ten-years of experience at the top of the company. Cucco was recently called back by Chairman Paolo Vitelli to temporarily direct Azimut Yachts and help select his successor from amongst the company’s internal resources. Azimut stated in the most recent release that having now completed his duties, Gianni Cucco will remain with the company to support the Azimut division and will continue to carry out some corporate activities.

The Azimut-Benetti Group has decided to split its activities into two main areas: boats up to 30m, headed by the new CEO of Azimut, Paolo Casani, with help from the head of the Atlantis Division, Luca Sburlati, and boats over 30m which will be directed by Vincenzo Poerio, a historic company manager who has worked as CEO of Benetti for 18 years, and will from now on also be responsible for the Grande Collection models branded Azimut Yachts.

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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.

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