Carlo Agliardi, former CEO and president of Fraser Yachts, dies age 74
Carlo Agliardi. Image courtesy of Fraser Yachts.
Yacht brokerage company Fraser Yachts has issued a tribute to former CEO and president Carlo Agliardi, a yacht broker and entrepreneur, who has died at the age of 74.
Agliardi played a key role in expanding Fraser Yachts internationally and arguably in shaping modern yacht brokerage practices.
In 1992, Agliardi and his partners at Italyachting acquired a stake in Fraser Yachts at a time when globalisation was rare in the industry. Italy was experiencing economic and political upheaval, including the Mani Pulite corruption investigations, which disrupted the yacht brokerage sector. Despite these challenges, Agliardi had recently overseen two significant transactions: the construction of the 43m exploration yacht Maupiti at Amels, featuring dynamic positioning and diesel-electric propulsion, and the sale of the 38m Christensen Fifty-one, negotiated with Fraser Yachts’ Jane Buffington.
With the domestic brokerage market under pressure, Agliardi and his partners relocated to Monaco, establishing United Yachting in partnership with a local brokerage firm. Within a year, he had negotiated the acquisition of Fraser Yachts’ Fort Lauderdale branch, giving the company a transatlantic presence.
Robust market conditions supported Fraser Yachts’ expansion and Agliardi focused on strengthening its international identity. He oversaw the creation of yacht management, charter management and crew placement divisions, positioning Fraser as a full-service brokerage. He was also involved in the formation of MYBA, contributing to the development of the MOA and MYBA charter contracts and advocating for industry-wide standards.
In 1999, Agliardi and Fraser Yachts’ founder, David Fraser, merged all company divisions into Fraser Yachts Worldwide. Agliardi was an early adopter of technology, leading the development of the company’s in-house CRM system, FLINK. Although he remained active in brokerage, his primary focus was on strategy, supporting brokers with resources, marketing, training and IT. Known for his exacting standards, he was also recognised for backing his team and maintaining a long-term vision for the business.
In its tribute to Agliardi, Fraser acknowledged that he encountered professional challenges and “alienated a few people on the way”, but that his leadership also earned the mutual respect of many in the industry.
In 2004, he negotiated the sale of Fraser Yachts to Azimut-Benetti, with a minority stake going to V-Ships. Agliardi remained with the company as CEO and later president until 2010, when he shifted his focus to a new project: an organic farm in Tuscany, cultivating vineyards and olive groves.
Fraser Yachts has continued to expand since Agliardi’s departure, but his influence remains embedded in the company’s structure. He remained connected to former colleagues, often welcoming them to his farm for meals prepared by his wife, Loredana Deambrosis, and discussions over Tuscan wine.
Carlo, was a fantastic forward thinking man, I have the pleasure to work for him during the time he was changing the industry. Thank you Carlo for all you did.