Gianguido Girotti leaves Beneteau: “One chapter ends, now I turn to the luxury segment”

Following the confirmation by the Beneteau Group of the rumours regarding Gianguido Girotti’s departure from top management, PressMare reached him by phone for a comment on a development that, in many respects, came as a surprise. When we interviewed him at Boot Düsseldorf at the end of January, nothing suggested such a change.

PressMare - In the publication of the financial results, your departure from the Beneteau Group was communicated in a rather “soft” way. Can we clearly say that it was your decision?

Gianguido Girotti - Yes, it was a considered decision. I also discussed it with my family. At a certain point you reach the end of a cycle and you have to decide whether to start a new one – meaning putting yourself back into play with another phase of transformation of the company – or to close it and look ahead. I preferred to resign in January and build a serious and constructive transition path leading up to the general meeting.

PM - When you talk about “end of a cycle”, what do you mean concretely?

GG – Companies operate on multi-year strategic plans. At this level, you don’t think in the short term: we are talking about cycles of three, four, five years. I contributed to defining and supporting the group’s strategic vision, but I no longer had the energy – nor the motivation – to take on a new full operational cycle. At a certain point, you have to ask yourself whether you really want to start all over again.

PM - So a decision more linked to a personal path than to results?

GG - Exactly. It’s not performance that led me to this decision. Companies go through different phases, with ups and downs. If I had left at the peak of growth, someone would have said I was showing off. But that’s not the point – it’s a deeper choice, linked to my personal journey. Over these 11 years I have had an incredible experience, building a lot for the company. An experience that enriched me both professionally and personally.

PM - A journey that started from afar…

GG - Yes, I started as head of product for sailing, and soon after I also took on the motor range. At the time, the Beneteau brand’s figures were even behind Jeanneau. I had the trust of Carla Demaria, who helped me grow and gave me important opportunities. Then I became General Manager, later CEO of the brand, first with Jérôme de Metz and then with Bruno Thivoyon. It has been a continuous progression.

PM - In recent months, however, something changed?

GG - After the sale of the real estate activities and the gradual exit from the charter business, my scope was reduced. Before, I had broader responsibilities and greater autonomy. Over the past eight months, the role became less interesting for me, precisely because of this reduced operational autonomy.

PM - Can we say that the new configuration felt a bit restrictive?

GG - Let’s say I found myself in a different position than before. But I don’t want to send a negative message. What matters to me is what I leave behind: a legacy made up of young talents who have internalised the group’s DNA. Challenging the status quo, innovating to improve the customer experience. I leave behind a strengthened team, with very capable people. That’s what really matters to me.

PM - After you, Bruno Thivoyon will complete the top management structure?

GG - Yes, exactly.

PM - Looking ahead, will you remain in the yachting sector?

GG - Yes, but not in direct competition with the group. The idea is to open a new chapter, consistent with what we said about the change of cycle. I have had an extraordinary journey in “democratic” yachting: industrialisation, processes, organisation, product accessibility. It has been exciting.

PM - What are you looking for now?

GG - I have always wanted to explore the luxury segment. We tried to approach it, but without going all the way. It is a world that fascinates me and where I believe my next challenge will take place. You will probably find me there.

Giuliano Luzzatto

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