Next Yacht Group appoints CEO

Next Yacht Group, owner of the AB Yachts and Maiora brands, has appointed Sebastiano Fanizza as its new chief executive officer, effective 2 April 2, 2025. 

Fanizza has spent many years in the luxury yachting industry, joining Azimut Yachts in 2005 where he rose to become sales and service director for the EMEA and APAC regions. During his time with Azimut, Fanizza strengthened the brand’s presence in Asia, with a particular focus on the Chinese market.

In 2015, 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 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. 

In his new role with Next Yacht Group, Fanizza will further consolidate the team and strengthen the commercial, communication, marketing, and product innovation areas, while expanding the distinctive position of the Maiora and AB Yachts brands on the international yachting scene. 

“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,” says 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 was established in 2021 and has seen a 110 per cent increase in its workforce since its founding, a strengthened management team, and the acquisition of strategic new production sites in 2024.