Sebastiano Fanizza Appointed as the New Chief Executive Officer of Next Yacht Group
- wgclients01
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Next Yacht Group, owner of the AB Yachts and Maiora brands, announces the appointment of Sebastiano Fanizza as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 2, 2025.
Born in 1978, Sebastiano Fanizza boasts a successful multi-year career in the luxury yachting industry, having held leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious companies. A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin, he began his career in the automotive sector at Iveco, before transitioning to the yachting industry, where he distinguished himself through his strategic vision and commercial capabilities.
In 2005 joining Azimut Yachts, he quickly rose through the ranks to become the Sales and Service Director for the EMEA and APAC regions, where he significantly strengthened the brand’s presence in Asia, with a particular focus on the Chinese market, further cementing Azimut’s leadership in these regions.
In 2015, at the invitation of Leonardo Ferragamo, he joined Nautor Swan as Commercial and Business Development Director, where he restructured the sales network and drove significant growth in the order book.
In 2018, he was asked by Paolo Vitelli to return to the Azimut Benetti Group as Chief Commercial Officer of Benetti Yachts, where he played a pivotal role in consolidating Benetti’s leadership in the mega and giga yacht segment, with outstanding commercial results.
Throughout his career, Sebastiano Fanizza has demonstrated a remarkable ability to anticipate market trends, embrace technological innovation, and focus on enhancing the customer experience.
With his appointment, Next Yacht Group will benefit from a solid and visionary leadership, capable of further consolidating the team, especially by strengthening the commercial, communication, marketing, and product innovation areas, while consolidating and expanding the distinctive position of the MAIORA and AB Yachts brands on the international yachting scene.
His appointment also marks a crucial moment for the Group, boosting its organizational development, talent enhancement, and process optimization, all supported by a solid governance model focused on sustainable growth.
“Taking the helm at Next Yacht Group is more than just a new chapter in my career; it’s a chance to shape the future of a company with extraordinary potential,” said Sebastiano Fanizza. “I’m excited to work alongside a great team to bring new energy to two extraordinary brands like MAIORA and AB Yachts. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, blending Italian craftsmanship with smart innovation to offer our clients something that truly reflects their vision of life at sea, and from that experience, we are already imagining a new way of living onboard, beyond today’s conventions.”
Next Yacht Group continues on its path of growth and consolidation that, since the Group’s founding in 2021, has seen a 110% increase in its workforce, a strengthened management team, and the acquisition of strategic new production sites in 2024.
More on Next Yacht Group
Founded in 2021, Next Yacht Group brings together the prestigious brands Maiora and AB Yachts, symbols of Italian yachting excellence. Part of the strategic project of GB Invest Holding AG, a global leader in Information Technology and Luxury Hospitality, Next Yacht Group combines innovation,aesthetics, and functionality in its vision for the future. With a solid production infrastructure in Massa and Viareggio, the Group has expanded its production capacity and local presence, with 11,100 square meters of space for the construction and outfitting of yachts in Viareggio and a 20,000 square meter production site in Massa. The facilities include two iconic locations in Viareggio, with exclusive areas and panoramic docks overlooking the sea, providing a unique experience for yacht owners. With over 600 yachts delivered and 24 yachts under construction, Next Yacht Group recorded a production value of 83 million euros in 2023 and continues to grow, employing more than 120 people and experiencing a 110% increase in its workforce over the last 4 years. AB Yachts has established itself as a leader in the world of luxury high-performance yachts with maximum efficiency. Maiora represents the pleasure of living at sea in spacious areas and versatile environments that perfectly combine functionality and aesthetics.