Florida – December 5th, 2023
FGI YACHT GROUP EXPANDS WITH NEW OFFICE IN MONACO
FGI Yacht Group is proud to announce major expansion into Europe with a new Monaco sales & charter office, and the appointment of Cristian Schwarzwalder as its new Director of Sales in Europe.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for FGI Yacht Group. In the three years since it was founded, FGI Yacht Group has experienced tremendous growth and demand across numerous markets. FGI Yacht Group now operates from five strategically positioned offices (Fort Lauderdale, Monaco, the Hamptons, Great Lakes, and Mexico) spanning three countries and two continents.
The new Monaco-based office will be of tremendous benefit to FGI Yacht Group’s U.S. clients keen on purchasing yachts in the region, while simultaneously providing FGI Yacht Group’s European clients with greater access to its U.S. product offerings.
Cristian Schwarzwalder brings invaluable industry expertise to the new role. After holding senior positions at several leading European shipyards, he offers a unique perspective and a wealth of experience in sales and new construction to international clients. In his most recent position as Sales Director at Turquoise Yachts, he was instrumental in the sale of many large projects, including the shipyard’s 87-meter flagship.
Cristian’s unique skill set and rich knowledge of brokerage and new build markets, as well as project development and naval architecture, make him ideally suited to direct FGI Yacht Group Monaco. He has successfully set up and led numerous sales offices in both Europe and the U.S. With a career spanning more than 25 years, Schwarzwalder has also forged an incredible network that will greatly support FGI Yacht Group’s clientele in both Europe and the U.S.
COO and Co-Founder of FGI Yacht Group Altea Llakmani states, “We are thrilled to welcome Cristian to the team, and to expand our presence in Monaco, one of the premier markets in the yachting world. Without a doubt, Cristian is fully aligned with our mantra to serve clients first and foremost. His years of experience and proven track record with U.S. and European clients serve to strengthen the chemistry in this relationship.”
“I am incredibly excited about this new opportunity and looking forward to helping FGI’s U.S. clients to access the European market, and vice versa to help European clients access the U.S. market,” remarks Schwarzwalder. When asked why he is joining forces with FGI, Cristian replies with, “I love the personal approach of FGI, one fully supported by a family business mindset. It makes FGI stand out amongst the rest.”
The opening of the Monaco office follows a string of recent brokerage sales for FGI, including the 72.6-meter QUANTUM OF SOLACE, the 68.2-meter RAGNAR, and numerous in the 30 to 40-meter segment. New build sales have been just as strong. The current superyachts under construction and managed by FGI Yacht Group includes Project AME, the 49.95-meter Bilgin 163-II, and three custom projects with the Admiral yard ranging from 50 to 82 meters.
FGI Yacht Group Monaco will provide the company’s full spectrum of services, including yacht sales, charter, and new construction. It will also uphold and strengthen FGI Yacht Group’s highly successful client-first approach.
Further information about the new Monaco office is available via FGI Yacht Group. Contact: Altea Llakmani, Co-Founder and COO at [email protected]