Ferrari Marketing Chief Departs Amid Backlash Over First Electric Vehicle

Enrico Galliera, Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer, has departed the company after 16 years, just weeks after the public debut of its first electric vehicle, the Luce. His departure comes amid significant public backlash and online criticism directed at the new EV.

Ferrari confirmed Galliera's immediate exit this week, stating he "decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey" and that his decision to leave was shared with the company "some time ago." CEO Benedetto Vigna downplayed any link between Galliera's departure and the response to the Luce, thanking him for his "extraordinary contribution" and role in the company's growth and brand strengthening.

Massimiliano Di Silvestre, former BMW Italy boss, is set to replace Galliera on July 1.

The unveiling of the $640,000 Luce has provoked a strong reaction, with enthusiasts and critics voicing dissatisfaction online. The vehicle's design, penned by former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive, has drawn comparisons to less premium vehicles and become the subject of widespread online mockery. Former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo also publicly criticized the model.

Galliera, who joined Ferrari in April 2010 after a 20-year tenure at Barilla SpA, has been a prominent figure during significant company events, including the launch of the LaFerrari hybrid hypercar in 2013 and Ferrari's stock exchange listings in 2015 and 2016. His career at Ferrari has coincided with periods of substantial brand growth and global expansion.

The negative reception to the Luce led to a notable drop in Ferrari's stock value, with shares falling more than 8% on the Milan market and over 5% in New York following the vehicle's unveiling. Social media platforms were flooded with critical commentary and digitally altered images of the car.