Eleonora Pitasso is a Shipyard Expert and Sales Broker at BURGESS, with nearly 20 years of experience in the yachting industry. Born in the Trieste region of Italy, known as "the Italian with the Austrian pinch," Eleonora holds a Double Master’s Advanced Degree (Hons.) in International Affairs with a focus on Geostrategy from the European Institute/University of Trieste.
Her career began at a boutique brokerage firm in Monaco and Miami, and later, as CCO Europe at Sea Vision Underwaterlights LLC, she successfully managed over 250 projects for yachts over 30m. In 2014, Eleonora returned to brokerage and charter with Fraser, before joining BURGESS in Monaco, where she has been for almost 10 years. At BURGESS, Eleonora initially served as Charter Manager for 3 years, overseeing a fleet ranging from 43m to 95m, before returning to her passion for sales. As a Shipyard Expert and Sales Broker, she is an active member of the New Build Sales Team and was the only female Sales Broker among the largest brokerage firms in Europe at the time of her appointment.
Outside of her professional role, Eleonora is deeply involved in the yachting community. She serves as a brand ambassador for YCM, a member of YCCA, YPY, and Cluster Yachting Corporate Representative, and holds a significant role as Board Member at MYBA and Chairwoman of the Membership Committee. She is also a member of IYBA, actively participates in industry panels, and mentors individuals in the field.
Eleonora is passionate about continuous learning, having attended the Strategic Management Course at EDHEC in 2023, and is focused on pursuing new corporate leadership projects. In her spare time, she enjoys windsurfing, swimming, and is working towards becoming a FIA Driver in the GT4 Championship. Fluent in Italian, French, English, and Spanish, with knowledge of German, Dutch, and basic Russian, Eleonora is based in Monaco and continues to make her mark in the global yachting industry.
What do you do in Yachting?
In yachting, I serve as a Shipyard Expert and Sales Broker, and I am part of the New Build Sales Team at BURGESS. Additionally, I am a Board Member at MYBA and the Chairwoman of the Membership Committee.
What was your field of study, and where did you pursue your education?
I hold a Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy, with an emphasis in Geostrategy (Hons.), from the University of Trieste. Additionally, I completed a Master's degree in European Affairs (Hons.) at the European Institute.
How did your career in yachting begin?
My career in yachting began by chance. I moved to the South of France because of my fiancé at the time and was advised to explore job opportunities in Monaco. I came across a job posting for a General Manager at a small boutique brokerage firm called Privilege Yacht, and from that moment on, I found my place in the yachting industry.
Can you share a memorable experience or significant achievement?
One of the most memorable experiences in my yachting career was my first sale of a 50m+ yacht in my second year in the role. It was incredibly rewarding to have owners who followed me from the beginning and continue to trust in my work and what I can deliver to them.
Among my significant achievements are my election to the MYBA Board, delivering my first conference in 2018, and becoming the first female Sales Broker based in Europe in 2018. I’ve also had articles featuring my experiences and stories, including a cover page on Living in Monaco magazine. Another milestone was the signing of a 50m+ project under construction and the sale of S/Y RIBELLE in 2021.
What current projects or goals are you focused on?
I’m currently focused on improving New Build Sales, along with a few confidential projects that I can't share at the moment—stay tuned for updates! I’m also preparing for my next lecturing engagement at the University of Genoa in December and studying for my FIA theory exam to obtain my license.
Get in touch with Eleonora Pitasso
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleonora_nb/
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