Year after year, women in yachting have taken a larger and more significant role in the industry. They are emerging as powerful, effective, and efficient – as much as men in yachting, and have gone beyond the role of charter broker. Here, YATCO takes the time to get to know some of these women – whether they are yacht sales brokers, shipyard coordinators or marketing masters. Below, get to know Altea Llakmani, COO & Partner of FGI Yacht Group.
Altea Llakmani, COO and Partner, FGI Yacht Group
What drew you to the yachting world?
When I moved to Monaco, the Yachting Capital of the World, the fascinating yachting culture captivated my interest, and the lifestyle inspired a deep passion in me. The possibility of meeting so many interesting people from diverse backgrounds and traveling to amazing destinations truly swept me away.
I knew I had to be a part of it. After spending seven years in this beautiful city, I made many wonderful friends, who shared my passion for yachting. One day I finally took a leap of faith and quit my job at Deloitte, where I worked as an auditor.
“The start of my career in yachting was completely unplanned, but as I entered the industry, I remained confident in my strong work ethic, values, and determination to succeed. “
How did you get your start in yachting?
I attended the Monaco Yacht Show 2019, where I was introduced to Frank Grzeszczak Sr. and shortly after I moved to the USA and started working with him.
In 2020 we partnered up and opened FGI Yacht Group. Together we built an amazing team. We are like one big family and are always there for each other. Our priority is creating long lasting relationships with our clients, while providing remarkable experiences tailored to their unique vision.
Who are some influential people in your life that you look up to?
“My family’s values are foundational to who I am today. A dedication to my career and a love for helping others were instilled in me from an early age, and I have continued to build on those values.”
I learned a lot professionally from one of my managers at Deloitte, especially how to interact with my colleagues and employees. No matter what level they were on professionally, she treated them all the same, with respect and care. That is something I strive for every day when collaborating with my team. My main goal is for us to be cohesive, while fostering open communication.
“Frank has played a large part in my career. It is a privilege to learn about this industry from one of the top brokers in the world. “
What are some challenges you face and how do you overcome them?
“Building a company in the middle of a pandemic required us to be innovative. We embraced flexibility and communication to not only successfully weather the pandemic, but also to expand and grow.”
I am honored to be a part of FGI Yacht Group. We have recently opened a new office in Mexico City, and our team is excited to offer our clients more opportunities to enjoy the thrill of yachting.
What are you currently working on and how do you stay inspired?
Our team remains focused on growth initiatives for FGI and expanding the brand. My team inspires me every morning. I am surrounded with these amazing, young, talented individuals that want to bring a positive impact to the industry and help FGI become globally recognized.
Of course, our entire team is continually inspired by our clients and the joy they receive from their yachting journey.
All Women in our Women in Yachting Series:
- Altea Llakmani, CCO and Partner, FGI Yacht Group
- Daria Tomassetti, Yacht Broker at Daria Tomassetti
- Candice Christiansen, Charter Management & Brokerage at Swisspath Yachting
- Niomi Matysek, Commercial Coordinator at Hill Robinson
- Daniela Backhaus, Head of Engineering Department Mechanical Systems at Lurssen Yachts
- Sara Gioanola, PR and Press Office Manager at Heesen Yachts
- Karen Martensen, Yachting Relationship and Operations Manager at Engel & Volkers
- Marianne Hendriks, Managing Director of Moonen Yachts
- Jenny Caird, CEO and Founder of 212 Yachts
- Rose Damen of Damen Yachting
- Eleonora Pitasso at BURGESS
