Giovanna Vitelli appointed Chairwoman of Altagamma for the 2026-2029 term
Giovanna Vitelli has been appointed new Chairwoman of Fondazione Altagamma for the 2026-2029 term. The decision was approved by the foundation’s Members’ Assembly, which also renewed the Board of Directors. Vitelli, current Chairwoman of Azimut|Benetti Group and Altagamma Vice President for Yachting over the past three years, succeeds Matteo Lunelli, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari Trento, after two terms marked by the strengthening of the foundation’s international positioning and numerous initiatives related to sustainability and the promotion of Made in Italy.
The new Chairwoman leads Azimut|Benetti Group, the world leader in the production of yachts over 24 metres and the leading privately owned global superyacht builder for more than 26 years. The Group operates five shipyards in Italy and one in Brazil, employs around 2,500 direct staff and is present in more than 80 countries through 138 showrooms. Over the past five years, the Group has doubled its turnover, reaching revenues of €1.5 billion, with an order book extending through to 2029. In her first speech as Chairwoman, Giovanna Vitelli highlighted the role of Italy’s high-end industry as an economic, social and cultural driver for the country, stressing the importance of protecting manufacturing expertise and specialised skills at the core of Italian excellence.
“The high-end industry deserves to be recognised as a driving force for our country,” said Vitelli, explaining that the first findings of a study developed with SDA Bocconi show that companies in the sector contribute to GDP growth at three times the national average, hire five times more employees and pay taxes averaging 300 times higher than the average Italian company.
Altagamma’s new three-year plan will be developed around three main pillars: promoting Italian excellence, supporting Made in Italy professions and expanding the sector internationally. Among the objectives outlined are the promotion of Italian craftsmanship culture, the strengthening of technical and vocational education pathways and corporate academies, as well as the expansion of international relations in strategic markets. Particular attention will be dedicated to education and generational turnover. According to the data cited in the document, by 2028 high-end supply chains will require approximately 276,000 new specialised manufacturing professionals, while around 50% of companies may struggle to find the required skills.
Within the market scenario outlined by Altagamma, the global luxury sector is currently undergoing a transformation phase influenced by geopolitical tensions, wars and international instability. However, the experiential luxury segment continues to show positive dynamics, with yachts and private jets growing by 9%. The foundation’s new Board of Directors also reflects an increase in female representation and younger entrepreneurial generations, with nine women out of twenty-five board members, equal to 36% of the total.
Founded in 1992, Altagamma brings together 126 Italian brands from the high-end cultural and creative industries across fashion, design, jewellery, food & beverage, hospitality, motors and yachting. According to the foundation’s data, the sector in Italy represents an industry worth more than €140 billion, equal to 7.4% of national GDP.
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