Ferrari marketing boss quits weeks after EV launch backlash

Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, is leaving the company after 16 years. The automaker announced his departure this week. Galliera will be replaced in July by Massimiliano Di Silvestre, former head of BMW Italy.

Galliera's exit comes weeks after Ferrari unveiled the Luce, its first fully electric vehicle. The car drew harsh criticism over its design, spawning internet memes and negative reactions from politicians and former Ferrari leadership. Shares of Ferrari (RACE) fell 8% the day after the unveiling.

In a statement, Ferrari thanked Galliera for his service. Chief executive Benedetto Vigna said Galliera "has played a significant role in the company's growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide." Ferrari did not mention the Luce launch in its statement about Galliera's departure.

Galliera took the marketing and commercial role in 2010. He oversaw the allocation of Ferrari's limited-production vehicles to clients, a process that has helped the brand maintain exclusivity and pricing power. Under his watch, Ferrari launched the LaFerrari hybrid hypercar in 2013 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2015.

The Luce, priced at $640,000, was designed in collaboration with former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive. Italy's deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini, a former Ferrari chairman, criticised the car's looks. The negative reception has raised questions about the brand's direction as it enters the EV era.

Galliera did not respond to a request for comment. Di Silvestre will start in July.