Engel & Völkers Yachting launches operations in the Americas

In addition to residential property and commercial real estate, Engel & Völkers is now also brokering exclusive motor and sailing yachts in the Americas. The new opening, in Newport Beach, California, sees Engel & Völkers Yachting further stengthen its international market position.

Paul Benson, Licence Partner of more than 27 Engel & Völkers shops in Utah, California and Nevada, has acquired the first Yachting licence in the USA. He is responsible for these together with Walter Johnson and Leeann Iacino of the yacht brokerage "Walter Johnson Yachts". Walter Johnson brings a wealth of exper  ience in the industry and will head up the yachting division at Engel & Völkers Newport Beach. Alongside the day-to-day running of the business, he will be responsible for customer service, recruitment, and expansion. As chief operating officer, Leeann Iacino will oversee marketing and operations.

Engel & Völkers Yachting sets course for the Americas 

At the Engel & Völkers residential property shop in Newport Beach, eight consultants are currently operational for the Yachting division. Their core business will include the buying, selling, and chartering of exclusive yachts, as well as the management of new builds and refits. “The launch of Engel & Völkers Yachting in the USA is a highly significant milestone for our growth in the Americas,” says Anthony Hitt, CEO of Engel & Völkers in North and Central America. “We’ve seen the value for our clientele by offering both luxury real estate and yachting services, which very much complement one another. This also opens exciting new referral opportunities for our global real estate network and strengthens the portfolio of offerings to our clients in the Americas and abroad.”

Engel & Völkers has been brokering yachts alongside premium property since 2007, making it one of the first global real estate companies to venture into the yachting market. The Group has an international network of shops and offices in over 30 countries spanning four continents, giving it extensive access to client leads in the relevant target group. Engel & Völkers Yachting is currently represented in Malta, Bodrum, Antibes, Nice and Monaco, in addition to its new operative base in Newport Beach.