Interview with Bruno Thivoyon and Gianguido Girotti

Groupe Beneteau dealt successfully with a complex economic context in 2024. How did you overcome these challenges?

Bruno THIVOYON : After a record year in 2023, 2024 saw a slowdown in our markets and an uncertain geopolitical environment. Our strength has been to anticipate these changes and take strategic decisions to secure our future. We have made it a priority to preserve the Group’s skills and financial strength. The commitment of our teams and partners has been remarkable during this period of adjustment.

The sale of the Habitat division marks a turning point for Groupe Beneteau. How does this strengthen your position in the boating market?

BT: This decision is part of a clear vision, namely to
refocus on our core business, boating. The Habitat
division has enjoyed an admirable position within the Group, becoming the European leader in its sector. Joining forces with Europe’s leading leisure vehicle manufacturer will help it to continue its development. For us, it’s an opportunity to consolidate our unique position as a multi-specialist in the boating sector. With our nine brands and 135 models, we cover three markets: dayboating, motor yachting and sailing, both monohull and multihull. This refocus will enable us to accelerate our product development by relying on teams who are experts in their market, agile and close to their customers.

With this refocusing, how does Groupe Beneteau intend to accelerate its development and meet market expectations?

Gianguido GIROTTI: Our “Bringing Dreams to Water” mission embodies our ambition, which is to provide a solution for all sailing dreams, for all generations, for owners and renters, everywhere in the world. The aim is to strengthen our positions in our entry-level range, to make sailing more accessible, and in our upmarket range, to meet the expectations of customers looking for premium boats and services. We believe that meeting these two expectations is essential if we are to reach a wider audience and keep pace with the developments taking place in boating. We will launch a record number of 66 new models between now and 2027, supported by a €240 million investment plan to strengthen our global leadership, nurture technical, architectural, digital and service innovation, and offer unique and sustainable sailing experiences.

Why is it crucial to link your sustainable development approach to the customer experience?

BT: We are on track to meet our target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030. In 2024, this ambition was demonstrated through strong commitments across the value chain, by sharing our life cycle assessment model with the entire industry and by extending the EcoVadis assessment of our suppliers (56% in 2024, compared with 41% in 2023). We also renewed our ISO 14001 and 50001 certifications at all our French sites, and obtained ISO 14001 certification for our Olecko site in Poland, highlighting our environmental and industrial standards at international level. Other initiatives include the integration of Elium® recyclable resin in our larger yachts, such as the Oceanis Yacht 60, and the Lagoon 620 NEO refit programme, which gives second-hand catamarans a new life. We believe that sustainable innovation has a real impact when it meets a concrete need and directly improves our
customers’ experience.
GG: The Island Cruising Concept is a good example. This boat has been designed by taking into account how yachts are really used. Designed as a floating poolhouse, it combines space, silence and energy autonomy. Fuel consumption is reduced by 50% thanks to its innovative hull, solar panels and hybrid propulsion. Of course, this is a step forward in terms of ecology, but above all it aims to create an unprecedented navigation experience.