Enrico Galliera will leave Ferrari in July after nearly two decades with the company, weeks after the debut of the Luce electric vehicle drew criticism from investors, fans and former Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ferrari’s longtime marketing and commercial chief is leaving the Italian luxury automaker after nearly two decades, with the move coming shortly after the company’s first electric vehicle drew sharp criticism.
Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial officer, will step down in July, BBC News reported. Ferrari said Massimiliano Di Silvestre, the former head of BMW Italy, will succeed him next month.
The company said Galliera had “decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey — a decision shared with the company some time ago.” Ferrari’s announcement did not cite the recent launch of the Luce, the automaker’s first electric vehicle, which was unveiled in May and quickly became the subject of negative reaction.
Galliera joined Ferrari’s senior ranks in 2010 and became one of the company’s most influential executives. His responsibilities included oversight of Ferrari’s marketing and commercial strategy, as well as the company’s exclusive customer allocation process that determines which clients are able to buy some of its most sought-after cars.
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna praised Galliera’s work and said he had helped expand the brand globally.
Galliera “has played a significant role in the company’s growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide,” Vigna said.
“He has the gratitude of the entire Ferrari team and my personal best wishes for the future,” Vigna added.
The executive transition follows the controversial rollout of the Luce, a major shift for a company long defined by combustion engines, racing heritage and distinctive sports-car styling. A social media post drew attention to the vehicle after its reveal.
Ferrari shares fell 5% in morning trading after the EV’s debut, while critics faulted both its appearance and electric powertrain. Some social media users compared the Luce’s styling to more ordinary electric vehicles already on the market.
The backlash also included criticism from former Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who suggested the vehicle risked damaging the company’s identity.
“If I said what I really think, I’d harm Ferrari,” Montezemolo said in Italian when asked about the Luce.
Montezemolo also said Ferrari is “risking the destruction of a myth,” adding, “I hope they at least remove the Prancing Horse from that car.”
The Luce marks a notable departure from Ferrari’s traditional design and performance image. Its debut comes as other luxury automakers, including Porsche and Lamborghini, have scaled back some electric-vehicle plans amid weaker consumer demand in the EV market.
Ferrari’s leadership change places Di Silvestre in charge of marketing and commercial strategy as the automaker navigates the reaction to its first electric vehicle and the broader challenge of balancing electrification with the brand’s legacy.
More details are available from BBC News.
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