Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio joined the Sovereign Order of Malta in January 2024 when he was appointed as Ambassador at Large of the Order for Culture and Philanthropy, and as Permanent Observer of the Order to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He is responsible for promoting cooperation between the Order and UNESCO and for leading the Permanent Mission of the Order to UNESCO.

Born in Rome in 1953, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio has been a visionary leader in the tourism and cruise industries for many decades. With his longstanding expertise and strategic foresight, he has played a pivotal role in shaping and redefining the concept of luxury cruising.

He and his family are leading giants in the cruise industry. In the 1980s, Lefebvre and his father, Professor Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio, acquired Sitmar Cruises (Società Italiana Trasporti Marittimi). They built three cruise ships, before selling the company to P&O Princess Cruises in the 1980s. In the 1990s, his father founded Silversea Cruises, with two ships. Under Manfredi Lefebvre’s leadership starting in 2001, the company expanded, increasing its fleet to 12 cruise ships. In 2018, the majority stake in the company was sold to Royal Caribbean. Manfredi Lefebvre then remained Chairman until 2020, when the remaining minority stake was sold.

Furthermore, Manfredi Lefebvre acquired Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) Travel Group and the iconic brand Crystal, along with two ships. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group and also holds the position of Executive Chairman of Heritage Group.

Beyond this, he is active across multiple sectors, including biotechnology, medical and information technologies, renewable energy, real estate, and beverages demonstrating his ability to diversify and lead across various industries.

His current roles include Executive Chairman of Quintessential Brand and Air Asia Move, Vice Chairman of Arqit Quantum, as well as Board Member of NewCleo and Exploris.

Moreover, he is Global Senior Advisor at Rothschild & Co Group, Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Monaco, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and Vice President for Africa.

Finally, he is a Member of Gruppo Tecnico del Turismo e della Cultura di Confindustria, Board Member of The National Italian American Foundation, Vice President of Remind, Vice-President of the Monégasque Chamber of Shipping, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Monaco Hydrogen Alliance, Chevalier of the Order of Saint Charles & Grimaldi, and Vice Chairman of the non-profit organization Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.