You have just joined Bénéteau to take over its commercial management. Can you tell us about your background?
I do not have a nautical training, but rather a legal one. The taste for the sea came to me thanks to sailing on family boats. After having worked in various more industrial companies, I was able to get closer to the maritime sector by launching the sale of naval cranes within AMCO Veba.
Then, 15 years ago, I joined Sessa Marine as manager for Northern Europe. I gradually evolved to manage commercial activity on a global level, with an interest in emerging markets and the United States. It was a great growing period where we went from 35-foot motor boats to units up to 68 feet.
In 2008, I joined Brunswick Group as sales manager for the Hatteras and Cabo Yachts brands, which gave me a good knowledge of international markets and large units. Then I went back to the smaller sizes with Boston Whaler, and finally launched the L Class range internationally. It was a great school with many markets, multiple brands and many product developments.
At the beginning of 2017, I joined Bénéteau for the commercial management of the Bénéteau, voile et moteur, Four Winns and Scarab brands. The variety of the brands corresponds to my experience and to find a little sail is not to displease me, since I practice it in leisure.
What are your projects for the different ranges and product developments?
When I arrived, I found a strong and passionate product development team. So I will lean on it to support what was launched by Carla de Maria. We will boost the MC ,Trawler and GT engine ranges. On the sailing side, the emphasis will be on the performance range and the charter. The offer for rental companies under the Bénéteau brand will be strengthened.
Synergies will have to be found on certain products to best meet the expectations of boaters in each market.
What are your actions towards the Bénéteau dealer network?
I strongly believe in the importance of the dealer network. If we are currently conducting an online sales trial, it is being finalized physically with network members. The customers must be in the center and keep a link with the building site, which passes by our salesmen as close as possible to the ground. That is why I am extremely attentive to the health of our dealers. They must have a real added value to work with our brand rather than another.
I want to focus on emerging markets. It will be necessary to continue to involve dealers and strengthen the network in certain areas.
