Ferrari’s marketing chief has left the company after 16 years, just weeks after the unveiling of the luxury carmaker’s first all-electric vehicle, the Luce, sparked a torrent of criticism and internet memes.
Enrico Galliera, who had served as chief marketing and commercial officer since 2010, will be replaced in July by former BMW Italy head Massimiliano Di Silvestre, Ferrari announced this week. The company thanked Galliera for his service and said he had “decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey – a decision shared with the company some time ago.”
“Ferrari’s marketing chief Enrico Galliera quit after 16 years, weeks after the Luce EV launch sparked criticism and an 8% share drop.”
Ferrari did not mention the Luce launch in its statement about Galliera’s departure. But the $640,000 (£485,552) car, whose design was overseen by iPhone designer Sir Jony Ive, was widely mocked online after its May debut. The backlash included criticism from Italy’s deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini, a former Ferrari chairman. The following day, Ferrari’s shares plunged by 8%.
Chief executive Benedetto Vigna said Galliera “has played a significant role in the company’s growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide.” His role involved managing which clients could buy the marque’s highly sought-after vehicles. Galliera declined to add any further comment.
During his tenure, Galliera oversaw key events including the 2013 launch of the LaFerrari, Ferrari’s first production hybrid hypercar. The company also listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2015 and in Milan the following year.
The Luce was Ferrari’s first-ever fully electric model. Its negative reception has raised questions about the supercar maker’s pivot to electrification, though the company has not commented on any direct link between the backlash and Galliera’s exit.