Matthew Walford, Benetti Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand

Benetti has announced the appointment of Matthew Walford as its Area Manager for Australia and New Zealand, effective February 1, 2025. “I am honoured to have been appointed, and I look forward to contributing to the continuing growth story in this region,” Walford said.

Benetti described Australia and New Zealand as “a rapidly expanding and strategically important market for the shipyard”.

Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director, said: “Matthew has notable relevant experience and regional market knowledge that is strategically valuable for Benetti. We look forward to strengthening our service and client relationships in this important market.”

Boasting over two decades of industry experience including expertise in new build, brokerage and refit, Walford was most recently CEO of d’Albora Marine, running Azimut’s sales business in Australia for the past seven years.

Since 2003, he has represented several other leading European motoryacht builders as Sales Broker at Chapman Marine Group, and Senior Broker at CRS Yachts and later Ray White Marine. Walford’s other roles included Business Development Manager for aluminium shipbuilder Austal Oceanfast.

Founded in 1873, Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group and builds yachts from 34-44m in composite materials, and from 37m to over 100m in steel and aluminium.

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