Discover the inspiring journey of a record-breaking yachtsman, bestselling author and pollution activist. Dive into their thrilling maritime adventures and vital environmental advocacy.
Europe
Italy
Core Intelligence Domain: High-Performance Leadership & Sustainability
Location: Milan, Italy | Languages: Italian, English, French
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence
Giovanni Soldini is universally recognised as one of the most accomplished ocean racers in maritime history, combining unparalleled navigational expertise with strategic foresight to drive innovation in high-stakes environments. With over three decades of competitive sailing, including multiple solo circumnavigations and historic speed records, Soldini embodies extreme resilience, crisis management, and the flawless execution of high-performance teamwork. His transition from solo racing to leading multi-national crews on cutting-edge vessels positions him as a premier authority on leading through volatility, technological integration, and sustainable operational performance.
Throughout his illustrious career, Soldini has continuously pushed the boundaries of human and technological endurance. He first captured global attention with his triumphs in the BOC Challenge and the Around Alone race, enduring some of the most unforgiving conditions on the planet. For over a decade, he captained the celebrated Maserati Multi70, transforming the trimaran into a high-speed floating laboratory for aerospace and marine technology. Under his leadership, the crew shattered numerous international records, including the historic Golden Route from New York to San Francisco and the Tea Route from Hong Kong to London.
In 2024, Soldini embarked on a groundbreaking new chapter, partnering with Ferrari to lead their unprecedented entry into competitive ocean racing. As Team Captain of the Ferrari sailing project, he is currently spearheading the development of a state-of-the-art, high-performance vessel that synergises elite automotive engineering with marine innovation, operating with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and zero-emission technologies.
Beyond his racing accolades, Soldini’s strategic leadership is defined by his capacity to make critical, life-saving decisions under immense pressure. This was most famously demonstrated in 1999 during the Around Alone race, when he diverted his course in the treacherous, freezing waters of the Southern Ocean to rescue fellow competitor Isabelle Autissier, whose boat had capsized. For this extraordinary act of seamanship, tactical agility, and courage, he was awarded the prestigious Légion d’Honneur by the French government. Soldini utilises these visceral experiences to teach corporate leaders how to navigate ambiguity, manage systemic risk, and maintain absolute focus when the stakes are at their absolute highest.
A passionate advocate for environmental preservation, Soldini has seamlessly integrated ecological responsibility into high-performance sports. His racing vessels double as advanced environmental monitoring stations, continuously collecting vital data on ocean temperature, CO2 levels, and microplastic pollution to aid global scientific research. He actively champions the transition toward renewable energy, demonstrating to global organisations that elite commercial performance and ecological sustainability can—and must—coexist harmoniously to ensure long-term viability.
”J'ai particulièrement apprécié son sauvetage d'Isabelle Autissier dans les mers du Sud en plein Boc Challenge (1998 je crois). Je m'occupai alors du suivi de Marc Thiercelin qui cavalait en tête. Qu'importe ! la mer n'a pas de frontières quand les choses sont humainement belles. BrunoJ'ai particulièrement apprécié son sauvetage d'Isabelle Autissier dans les mers du Sud en plein Boc Challenge (1998 je crois). Je m'occupai alors du suivi de Marc Thiercelin qui cavalait en tête. Qu'importe ! la mer n'a pas de frontières quand les choses sont humainement belles. Bruno”
“Giovanni is a great leader and I am pleased to have worked with him”