Chris Bangle, through his consultancy Chris Bangle Associates (CBA), has worked on a range of diverse projects with a number of companies since leaving his role as design director for the BMW Group in 2009. While CBA’s client list includes a diverse mix of clients — from car companies to boat builders, technology firms and interior designers — CBA is now set to embark on a new seagoing venture in a strategic collaboration with super yacht builder Sanlorenzo Yachts.
“I have great respect for the strength of the Sanlorenzo brand and the quality and emotion crafted into every ship they create; their discerning clientele are highly tuned to all these aspects,” says Bangle. “I am very excited to be joining together with the Sanlorenzo team and even more inspired to learn about the world of super yachts and the design challenges within it.”
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Sanlorenzo’s acquisition by Massimo Perotti, this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the design of Sanlorenzo yachts, a company that builds only 30 high-end sea-going vessels per year. The collaboration will see the CBA team develop next generation yacht exteriors for the tailor-made boats, working together with Sanlorenzo’s engineers and architects.
“Chris is not only an amazing designer, world famous, but also a talented manager able to run complex and multicultural teams,” says Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti. “He will not only develop with us outstanding new Sanlorenzo yachts, but also will bring his experience in shaping our future managerial culture.”
Bangle’s approach and unbridled creativity resounded within the BMW Group’s design studios during his 17-year tenure at the helm, attributes which dovetailed into the creation of his successful design consultancy in Clavesana, Italy. His creative vision, design leadership and track record of successful innovation led to multiple partnerships with clients ranging from Adidas to Samsung via Hennessey and Microsoft.
“Massimo has great knowledge of yachting from the customer point of view and is dedicated to bringing the Sanlorenzo experience to an even higher level with innovation and design,” says Bangle. “I believe strongly in the Sanlorenzo that Massimo has built in this past decade and congratulate him on this accomplishment; his vision for the next ten years is even more compelling.”
