Ferrari Marketing Chief Steps Down Weeks After EV Launch Draws Backlash

Ferrari has announced the departure of its longtime marketing chief, Enrico Galliera, just weeks after the unveiling of the luxury automaker’s first all-electric vehicle, the Luce, sparked widespread criticism.

Galliera, who spent 16 years at Ferrari and served as the company’s Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, will leave the role at the end of June. He is set to be succeeded in July by former BMW Italy chief, Massimiliano Di Silvestre.

In a statement, Ferrari said Galliera had “decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey – a decision shared with the company some time ago.”

The company did not link his departure to the launch of the Luce, which attracted significant criticism following its unveiling in May.

Ferrari Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna praised Galliera’s contributions, saying he “has played a significant role in the company’s growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide.”

“He has the gratitude of the entire Ferrari team and my personal best wishes for the future,” Vigna added.

During his tenure, Galliera oversaw Ferrari’s global marketing and commercial operations, including managing the allocation of the company’s highly sought-after vehicles to customers.

He was also involved in several landmark moments for the Italian luxury carmaker, including the 2013 launch of the LaFerrari, the company’s first production hybrid hypercar combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. Galliera also played a role during Ferrari’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2015 and its Milan listing the following year.

However, Ferrari’s first fully electric model, the $640,000 Luce, faced a wave of negative reactions after its debut. The vehicle’s design, created by renowned designer Sir Jony Ive, drew criticism from several quarters, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, who also previously served as Ferrari’s chairman.

Investor sentiment also took a hit, with Ferrari’s shares falling about 8 per cent the day after the Luce was unveiled.

While Ferrari has not indicated any connection between Galliera’s resignation and the backlash surrounding the Luce, his departure comes at a pivotal moment as the iconic sports car manufacturer navigates its transition into the electric vehicle era.