Jonathan Beckett: CEO brings superyacht brokerage Burgess to Brickell base

After decades leading global superyacht brokerage Burgess from London, CEO Jonathan Beckett has relocated to Miami as the city continues to grow as a major hub and one of the most important markets for the global yachting industry.

With over 20 employees and plans to grow, Mr. Beckett now operates from 1450 Brickell Ave., where Burgess has its Miami headquarters, spearheading the company’s expansion across the Americas.

Mr. Beckett spent his youth sailing on the Norfolk Broads. He then spent a year on a sailboat in the Caribbean before joining a flotilla company in Greece and working as a yacht broker in Athens. In 1981, he joined Burgess in Monaco when the firm was a two-person operation founded by Nigel Burgess.

“When I first met Nigel, it was just himself and his secretary, and he couldn’t afford to take on a third employee,” he recalled. “We hit it off well, though, and we stayed in touch, and once Nigel had sold a couple of boats, one of which was the 36-meter Starry Sky, he invited me to join him.”

At 26 years old, he helped launch the company’s London office. After Mr. Burgess’ tragic death while competing in the Vendée Globe sailing race in 1992, Mr. Beckett stepped into the role of chief executive and under his guidance, the company has developed into a full-service offering, with specialist divisions in all aspects of the superyacht industry and multiple offices around the world, including five in the US.

He orchestrated the sale of many of the world’s most iconic yachts, including the 86-meter Nabila and 88-meter Maltese Falcon. He also oversaw the building of the 180-meter Azzam and the 156-meter Dilbar, the largest yachts by length and volume in the world. Until recently, he divided his time among the Monaco, London, and New York offices.

Now based in Miami since 2024, Mr. Beckett’s expertise lies in leading the company, though he remains highly active in brokerage and new construction projects. He is focused on strengthening Miami’s role as a hub for the global superyacht market and growing Burgess’s presence throughout the Americas.

“One of the defining things for us is never standing still. Each development adds a whole different string to our bow,” he said.

Mr. Beckett spoke with Miami Today reporter Abraham Galvan.

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