Piero Formenti appointed President of Confindustria Nautica, a change in the leadership of the association

Piero Formenti is the new President of Confindustria Nautica. The decision comes following the General Council of the Association, which just yesterday, in response to Saverio Cecchi’s decision to temporarily step away from office, was held in an extraordinary session.

Piero Formenti brings extensive experience to roles of this nature. He has served as Vice President of Confindustria Nautica since 2015 and has held the position of President of EBI (European Boating Industry) for two consecutive terms, from 2015 to 2019. He currently serves as Vice-Chair supporting Robert Marx, the current President.

Lombard, born in 1958, has been married to Donatella for forty years and has a son, Luca, who works with him in the company. Zar Formenti is one of the longest-standing manufacturers of inflatable boats in the market, active since 1979, and boasts a global distribution network.

“With the same dedication I have shown in expanding the company I run alongside my wife and son, I will serve our member companies to the best of my ability”, declared Piero Formenti at the close of the General Council meeting.

“The economic context is currently witnessing signs of a slowdown. This is compared to a three-year period of unprecedented growth that in 2023 brought the Italian yachting sector to an all-time high in terms of turnover, exports, and employment, rising from 160,000 to 200,000 jobs over the last five years – Mr. Formenti stressed – Particularly affected is the small craft market, the contraction of which is expected to impact a number of product segments, particularly in certain geographical regions. Reasons for this include the hike in interest rates and restricted access to credit.

The current state of the market calls for quick answers. Answers concerning administrative simplification, flag competitiveness, registration times, regulations on new green fuels, professional training opportunities, and the competitiveness of marinas, slipways and storage services. Action on all of these fronts will contribute to upholding a competitive Italian system overall and allow companies the most favourable environment possible in which to continue to invest”.

“It is precisely in this scenario – continued Formenti – that the consolidation and expansion of the Genoa International Boat Show takes on even greater importance. I regret reading a number of comments in the press on the value of public funds provided to what is the second largest industry event in Italy (after the Salone del Mobile design show) and the third largest worldwide for the yachting sector. Every year, the Show pumps 65 million euros into the local economy alone (The European House – Ambrosetti, “Rapporto Liguria 2030“, July 2023), and yet it remains the least financially backed sector event compared to competing events overseas. For this very reason – Formenti concluded – the Italian Trade Agency’s Events Plan has continued to increase its support for the Genoa Boat Show, demonstrating the growing awareness that Italy must work as a system when supporting the country’s international trade fairs. These world-class showcases are a cross-industry reference point for the Made in Italy brand. In this respect, there is still work to be done”.