Awful news about the passing of Sergio Marchionne, the former Ferrari chairman and CEO who has died at the age of 66 following complications from shoulder surgery.
A colourful and charismatic fellow, Marchionne had huge shoes to fill when he replaced Luca di Montezemolo in 2014. But his reputation within the parent company was second to none, having turned around Fiat’s waning automotive fortunes.
Ferrari’s recent on-track fortunes certainly owe a great deal to him too, and just look how Sauber has thrived following his decision to push Alfa Romeo its way. He’ll be remembered as a great motivator who got things done, who fought his corner in Ferrari’s best interests and spoke as he found, and a giant of the car industry as a whole.
Apart from the great human loss, the fact that it’s taking two people to replace him at Ferrari speaks volumes for his vast capability and expertise.
Sergio Marchionne, RIP.
photo credit: © 2018 The Detroit News
text credit: © 2018 Charles Bradley / Motorsport
