**Ferrari Marketing Chief Resigns Amid Controversy Over Electric Car Launch**
Ferrari's Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Enrico Galliera, has announced his resignation after 16 years with the company, a decision that comes just weeks following a significant backlash regarding the launch of the luxury automaker's first all-electric vehicle, the Luce. The announcement was made this week, with Galliera set to officially depart in July, at which point he will be succeeded by Massimiliano Di Silvestre, the former head of BMW Italy.
In a statement regarding Galliera's departure, Ferrari expressed gratitude for his contributions to the brand, highlighting his role in the company's growth and the strengthening of the Ferrari brand on a global scale. Chief Executive Benedetto Vigna acknowledged Galliera's significant impact, stating, "He has the gratitude of the entire Ferrari team and my personal best wishes for the future." Vigna also noted that Galliera had made the decision to leave some time ago, indicating that it was a mutual agreement between him and the company.
Galliera's tenure at Ferrari has been marked by several key milestones, including the launch of LaFerrari, the company's first production hybrid hypercar, in 2013. He also played a crucial role in Ferrari's public offerings, overseeing the company's listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2015 and on the Milan Stock Exchange the following year.
However, the recent unveiling of the Luce, priced at $640,000 (£485,552), sparked a wave of criticism and negative sentiment. The design of the Luce, created by renowned iPhone designer Sir Jony Ive, was met with skepticism from various quarters, including Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, who openly criticized its aesthetics. The backlash was significant enough to lead to an 8% drop in Ferrari's share price the day after the vehicle's launch, reflecting investor concerns about the reception of the company's first foray into electric vehicles.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Luce, Ferrari did not directly address the vehicle's launch in its statement about Galliera's resignation. The company continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly prominent.
As Galliera prepares to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey, the automotive industry will be watching closely to see how Ferrari's new marketing leadership under Di Silvestre will address the challenges and opportunities presented by the shift towards electric mobility.