Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group, is the National Winner of the twenty-seventh edition of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Award.
The independent jury, made up of representatives from institutions, economics, and industry, awarded this prestigious recognition to Giovanna Vitelli for “not only leading the company towards growth in size and profitability but also inspiring technological advancements and projects focused on sustainability, employee well-being, and corporate social responsibility.”
Each year, a recipient for this award is chosen by EY – a global leader in professional services for auditing and accounting, tax and legal assistance, transactions, and consulting – from among Italian entrepreneurs who have significantly contributed to the economic, social, and environmental growth of the country. The winners are distinguished by their ability to transform, innovate, and promote sustainability in the face of considerable challenges and continuous change.
After practicing corporate law, Giovanna Vitelli joined the Board of Directors of the family Group Azimut|Benetti in 2000, gradually took the lead in product development, and became Chair in 2023. The Group – the world’s leading manufacturer of mega yachts for twenty-four consecutive years – concluded its latest financial year with 1.3 billion euros in revenue, marking a 55% growth over the last four years.
In keeping with the mission and values of the Group founded by her father, Giovanna Vitelli emphasizes constant investment in innovation as the key factor for maintaining leadership and generating value for both people and the local community. Therefore, the product development strategy – aligned with the positioning of both the Azimut and Benetti brands – includes the creation of new trends and onboard lifestyles, in addition to technological advancements aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Since embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Giovanna Vitelli has ventured into new frontiers of nautical design, encouraging technical teams and designers to rethink onboard spaces and provide modern owners with a lifestyle centered on conviviality, elegance, and closeness to the sea. Notable examples include Benetti’s Oasis Deck® and Azimut’s Seadeck Series, both of which are top sellers in the market. In this evolutionary process, the Group has positioned itself as a Design Hub with numerous international collaborations, introducing architects and creatives to the sector and enriching it with fresh and innovative influences and solutions.
Regarding environmental sustainability, the Group’s strategy combines pragmatism with an ambitious vision, delivering the best results achieved today in emissions reduction through the development and integration of the most effective solutions available: weight reduction, high-efficiency hulls, hybrid propulsion systems, and onboard power management. Concurrently, in collaboration with independent organizations and universities, it advocates for establishing certification standards for consumption and emissions, guiding the industry towards a more conscious and mature approach.
In support of this strategy, Chair Giovanna Vitelli has initiated a drive to enhance the managerial culture and governance by establishing the Azimut|Benetti Group Corporate Academy, aimed at the professional education and growth of its personnel, with the goal of transferring the expertise that embodies Italian excellence in technology, engineering, and manufacturing within the company, while also supporting young individuals entering the yachting world.
