Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio
Born (1953-04-30) 30 April 1953 (age 72)
EducationSapienza University of Rome (dropped out)
OccupationBusinessman
TitleChairman, Silversea Cruises
SpouseDivorced
Children1 daughter
Parent(s)Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio
Eugenia Beck

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio de Clunieres di Balsorano (born 30 April 1953) is an Italian–Monegasque billionaire businessman. He is the former Executive Chairman of Silversea Cruises, a company founded by his father. In June 2018, he sold two-thirds of the company to Royal Caribbean for US$1 billion, retaining a one-third stake in the company.

Currently he is the Executive Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, the travel conglomerate that owns Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal Cruises, Ecoventura Galapagos, Cox & Kings.

As of February 2026, Forbes estimated his net worth at $2.3 billion.

Biography

Family

Lefebvre d'Ovidio grew up in Rome, one of four children born into an Italian family. The son of Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio, legal professor and Italian jurist, and Eugenia Beck, of German origin. Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio in Italy is referred to as "the father of the maritime law" and is also a key figure of the Lockhead scandal, the biggest case of corruption in times of the First Republic.[1]

Manfredi Lefebvre was involved in a variety of family businesses from an early age and in 2001 became chairman of luxury cruise line,[2] Silversea Cruises.[3] He had two sisters, Elvira and Maria Desiderata (Maruzza), and an elder brother, Francesco (b. 1951).[4][5][6]

Career

In the 1980s, Antonio Lefebvre d'Ovidio founded a shipping company that helped European migrants to move to Australia.[7] With the time, the company shifted from the passenger sector to the cruise industry, and finally in 1994, Silversea Cruises was launched, with two ships purpose-built for the line: the Silver Cloud and the Silver Wind.[8][9]

In 1988 they purchased control of Sitmar Cruises from the Vlasov family and in 1989, merged it with P&O's Princess Cruises unit.[10]

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio led Silversea through his board position before being named chairman in 2001.[11][2]

He served as Executive Chairman of the Silversea Cruises from 2001 to 2020.[12]

By that time, it added two more vessels (Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow) making it a four ship fleet. As of 2017 Silversea operated nine vessels on worldwide itineraries that call in all seven continents. It has been recognized as one of the World's best with multiple awards from Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines as well as other travel publications and organizations.[13] Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio was the sole owner of Silversea,[14] until June 2018, when Royal Caribbean agreed to pay about US$1 billion for a two-thirds stake in the company.[15] In August 2018, Bloomberg assessed Lefebvre d'Ovidio as a billionaire.[16] He later stepped down as chairman when the complete takeover was completed, remaining a 2.5% shareholder in Royal Caribbean.[17]

In 2021, he had executive buyouts in Arqit Quantum, a NASDAQ-listed quantum cryptography company. In June 2022, the Lefebvre D'Ovidio family's Abercrombie&Kent Travel Group (A&K Travel Group) bought Crystal Cruises and its two ocean vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.[18] In the same plan, A&K acquired Cox and King, the world's oldest tour operator and Ecoventura, a company operating its own fleet in the Galapagos Islands. In the same years, the financial group controlled by the Lefèbvre family, Heritage Group, acquired various stakes including 75% of Bucksense Inc, New Cleo, Avatera, Quintessential Beverages, TT, V Dyne, Arqit, Habitas.[19][20] In June 2022, cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were purchased in addition to the Crystal Cruises brand.[2]

In January 2024, he joined the Sovereign Order of Malta when he was appointed as Ambassador at Large of the Order for Culture and Philanthropy.[21]

In May 2025, he was appointed President of Heritage Group.[22] In the same month, Lefebvre was appointed Chair-Elect of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). He succeeded Greg O'Hara and officially took office at a ceremony held in September 2025.[23]

As of February 2026, his net worth was estimated at US$2.3 billion.[8]

Lawsuits

Inheritance disputes

Back in 1998, Antonio Lefebvre decided to split his patrimony to prevent his children from fighting for inheritance. He set up several trusts and transferred there the shares owned by the family, assigning each child a part. However, the step only sparked a legal battle between the brothers Manfredi and Francesco, who later sued the sibling and the rest of the family claiming that the delivery of the shares of the holding company didn’t go through as agreed. The legal battle lasted two decades and ended in favour of Manfredi – in 2023, the Bologna Appeal Court confirmed the first ruling made in 2012.[24][25][26]

In 2015 Elvira Lefebvre d'Ovidio sued both Manfredi and Francesco, as well as several companies, claiming to be the sole heir and accusing them of not having the right to manage her assets, including real estate properties and cruise ships. In 2018, Elvira Lefebvre reached an agreement with Manfredi (receiving 30% of the $1.5 bln from selling the Silversea) and withdrew her lawsuit, but the case against Francesco continued. In 2020, the Civil Court of Rome declared her claims against Francesco unfounded and ordered her to pay €500,000 in legal costs. When she pleaded to be unable to pay, the defendants filed a complaint with the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office. The public prosecutor discovered that Elvira Lefebvre “through multiple enforcement actions of the same criminal design, carried out simulated acts to evade the obligations that were being investigated by the Court of Rome and subsequently confirmed by a ruling”. According to the prosecution, in the two years prior to the civil court ruling Elvira Lefebvre emptied her official assets of €40 million through donations and transfers.[27][28]

Casinò di Saint Vincent

In 2012, manager of Casinò di Saint Vincent Luca Frigerio filed a lawsuit against Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio accusing him of embezzlement, fraud and even criminal association, in relation to a dispute between the Casinò and the company Veio (formerly Grand Hotel Billia), which had sold the Grand Hotel Billia to the Casino in 2006. Lefebvre was acquitted of all serious charges: he was neither an administrator nor a partner of Veio, nor a partner of any affiliated company. In the assessment of three magistrates from the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, the facts reported by the Casinò did not even present the slightest logical basis for constituting a notitia criminis. Lefebvre's lawyer notified Casinò of his intention to seek compensation for damage to Lefebvre's professional image.[29]

Personal life

He resides in Monte Carlo, Monaco,[8][30] From a marriage to Marzia Mittiga he has a daughter, Costanza.[8][31][32][33]

Cruise industry advocacy

Lefebvre d'Ovidio was a key driver of the unification of the European cruise industry[34] as chairman of the European Cruise Council (ECC) since 2010.[35]

He led the merger of that association with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) of which he has served on the board of directors until 2013.[36] He remains on the board of CLIA Global and serves as chairman of CLIA Europe.[37] He is also active in promoting international tourism efforts as the vice chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in charge for Europe and a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF).[38] Crystal Ships could belong to him.[39]

Posts and honorary positions

Lefebvre d'Ovidio was honored by being awarded the rank of Knight of the Order of Saint Charles and Grimaldi by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.[2] His posts and positions include:

  • Since April 2019 – Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Monaco;[40]
  • Since 2024 – Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);[41][2]
  • Ambassador-at-Large for Culture and Philanthropy for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta;[42]
  • Vice-President for Africa of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council;[2]
  • Global Senior Advisor at Rothschild & Co;[2]
  • Vice President of Arqit Quantum.[43][2]
  • Member of Gruppo Tecnico del Turismo e della Cultura di Confindustria;
  • Board Member of The National Italian American Foundation;
  • Vice-President of the Monégasque Chamber of Shipping;[44]
  • Vice Chairman of the non-profit organization Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy;
  • Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance.[21]

Philanthropy

Fondazione Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Onlus was established on 7 October, 1999, by Antonio and Eugenia Lefebvre in honour of their late daughter Maruzza (Maria Desiderata), who died from cancer in her early 40s.[4] The non-profit Foundation was launched to promote the culture of paediatric palliative care, research and training for professionals who care for children with incurable diseases.[45][46][4]

In 2013, the Foundation was honoured with Medaglia d'Oro al merito della Sanità Pubblica awarded by the President of Italy.[47]

Manfredi Lefebvre took the presidency of the foundation in 2025. Costanza Lefebvre d’Ovidio, his daughter, serves as Vice President of the Foundation.[4]

References

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  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Arqit Quantum Inc". SEC UK. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  3. ^ "Antonio Lefebvre D'ovidio Dies Age 98". Travel Agent Central.
  4. ^ a b c d "Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio alla guida della Fondazione Maruzza". La Repubblica. 11 November 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  5. ^ BIONDANI, PAOLO; Riva, Gloria; Sisti, Leo (23 September 2016). "Bahamas Leaks, ecco i conti segreti e i nomi degli italiani coinvolti". L’Espresso. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  6. ^ Casiraghi, Luca (13 July 2022). "Italian Cruise Billionaire Mired in Feud Over Family Fortune". Bloomberg. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
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  10. ^ White, George (29 July 1988). "New Ships for 'Love Boat' Fleet : Princess Cruises to Acquire Sitmar in $210-Million Deal". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
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  17. ^ "MONACO IMPRESE". issuu.
  18. ^ "Manfredi Lefebvre Said To Be Behind Crystal Cruises Ship Purchase". cruiseindustrynews.com. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  19. ^ "Heritage Group Led by Manfredi Lefebvre Has Made a Major Investment in Return for a 75% Equity Interest in Bucksense Inc". Businesswire. 3 April 2019.
  20. ^ Ducci, Andrea (17 July 2023). "Crociere, il ritorno di Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio: «È il momento del turismo di lusso»". Corriere della Sera. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  21. ^ a b "The Ambassador". Sovereign order of Malta permanent mission to UNESCO. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  22. ^ "L'imprenditore monegasco Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio guiderà il Consiglio mondiale del turismo da settembre". Monaco Tribune. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  23. ^ "Monegasque businessman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio to chair World Travel & Tourism Council from September". Monaco Tribune. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  24. ^ "Maxi-eredità Lefebvre, ha vinto Manfredi. Battuto in Cassazione il fratello Francesco". Il Giornale. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  25. ^ Ducci, Andrea. "Eredità Lefebvre, guerra miliardaria per il patrimonio dell'armatore". Corriere della Sera. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  26. ^ Casiraghi, Luca (21 December 2023). "Italian Cruise Billionaire Wins Ruling in Family Fortune Feud". Bloomberg. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  27. ^ "Fa sparire quaranta milioni che doveva dare ai fratelli: nobile napoletana a giudizio". Il Gazzettino. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  28. ^ Fiano, Fulvio (7 October 2021). "Scandalo Lockheed, la guerra degli eredi tra immobili e navi da crociera". Corriere della Sera Roma. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  29. ^ Capolino, Gabriele (12 September 2023). "Manfredi Lefebvre, assolto da ogni accusa, denuncia il Casinò di Saint Vincent". Milano Finanza. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  30. ^ "Silversea christens new flagship Silver Muse". 23 April 2017. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  31. ^ Kalosh, Anne (4 April 2017). "Silver Muse godmother is Manfredi Lefebvre's daughter". seatrade-cruise.com. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  32. ^ "The year's most luxurious new cruise ship christened in Monaco". usatoday.com. 20 April 2017. Retrieved 14 August 2018.
  33. ^ "Il "sistema" che ha protetto Matacena e Dell'Utri". Corriere della Calabria. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  34. ^ "Te cruise industry: a leader in Europe's economic recovery" (PDF). European Commission. pp. 1, 19. Archived from the original on 10 June 2019.
  35. ^ "European cruise industry changes its helm". ship2shore.it. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  36. ^ "Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio to complete term as CLIA Europe Chairman at year end, passes the helm to Pierfrancesco Vago" (PDF). Brussels. 9 October 2013. p. 1. Archived from the original on 30 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
  37. ^ "CruiseTravel CLIA-European Cruise Council adopt three new safety policies". Travel Weekly.
  38. ^ "Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio". Ultra Travel Forum. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  39. ^ "Manfredi Lefebvre Said to be Behind Crystal Cruises Ship Purchase". 21 June 2022.
  40. ^ "Ecuador". Gouvernement Princier de Monaco. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  41. ^ "Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to UNESCO (May 2024)". UNESCO. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  42. ^ "Courtesy visit of SMOM Ambassadors to Greece and to UNESCO". Morocco Embassy. 2 May 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  43. ^ "Manfredi Lefebvre: New President of World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)". Tornos News. 29 September 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  44. ^ "Monaco Chamber of Shipping" (PDF). Monaco Chamber of Shipping. 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  45. ^ "La Fondazione Maruzza Lefebvre D'Ovidio Onlus". Salento Medico. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  46. ^ Santi, Serena (30 March 2017). "Tutte le Religioni insieme per combattere il dolore. A Roma l'incontro internazionale per promuovere le cure palliative". Sanità Informazione. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
  47. ^ "Cure palliative: cambio al vertice di Fondazione Maruzza". Fortune Italia. 7 July 2025. Retrieved 9 February 2026.
allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manfredi_Lefebvre_d%27Ovidio