Ferrari Changes Management To Focus On Electrification Of Luxury Sports Car Products

Ferrari enters electrification of luxury sports cars. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA - Ferrari's new chief executive on Monday, January 10, unveiled a new organization and leadership change aimed at sharpening the technology focus and product exclusivity as the luxury sports car maker embraces electrification.

Benedetto Vigna, a tech industry veteran and former top executive at chipmaker STMicroelectronics, took on the CEO role in September with the task of propelling Ferrari into a new era of cleaner, quieter and connected mobility.

Those functions including “Product Development and Research & Development”, “Digital & Data” and “Technology & Infrastructure” will now report directly to this new CEO, Ferrari sources said in a statement, quoted by Reuters.

As part of the reshuffle, the company appointed Gianmaria Fulgenzi - at Ferrari since 2002 and most recently head of supply chain in its racing division - as chief product development officer, he said.

Ernesto Lasalandra was hired to become Ferrari's head of research and development. He is from Vigna's former chief executive, STMicro,

Silvia Gabrielli, who joined Ferrari in 2019 from Microsoft, was appointed chief digital and data officer to drive "digital transformation processes across the enterprise, ensuring more processes are data-driven and digitally focused."

"The new organizational structure will further drive innovation, optimize processes and enhance collaboration both internally and with partners," Ferrari said in a statement.

Ferrari also employs Angelo Pesci from STMicro, where he has spent more than 20 years dealing with financial planning, supply chain and product, service and operations planning. He was appointed head of purchasing and quality officer at the Italian company.

Bestinver analyst Andrea Trovarelli said in a report that Vigna's decision to hire two top executives from STMicroelectronics indicates that the CEO is "turning to a trusted ally to help with its turnaround and to put the iconic manufacturer on the path of electrification."

Ferrari have confirmed Mattia Binotto as boss of the Formula One racing team, he added.

In one of Vigna's first major moves, Ferrari last month said it was changing its leadership structure, with three top executives leaving the company.

They include Chief Technology Officer, Michael Leiters and Chief Brand Diversification Officer, Nicola Boari, who oversaw Ferrari's push beyond its luxury sports car business, with the launch of its first in-house fashion collection in June.

The Vigna will carry out the "Brand Diversification" function temporarily, a Ferrari source said.