Sergio Marchionne passes away aged 66

Former Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne has died aged 66.

Complications arising from surgery on his shoulder had led last Saturday to the Italian-Canadian being stood down with “profound sorrow” as the head of the Ferrari and Fiat-Chrysler companies.

The holding company of the Fiat founding family said on Wednesday that Marchionne had passed away.

“Unfortunately, what we feared has come to pass. Sergio Marchionne, man and friend, is gone,” said chairman John Elkann in a statement.

“I believe that the best way to honour his memory is to build on the legacy he left us, continuing to develop the human values of responsibility and openness of which he was the most ardent champion.

“My family and I will be forever grateful for what he has done. Our thoughts are with Manuela, and his sons Alessio and Tyler.”

Marchionne was regarded as one of the most powerful and successful chief executives in the automotive world.

Marchionne with Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

And, after adding the title of Ferrari president to his responsibilities in 2014, he became one of F1’s most influential figures too.

Marchionne joined Fiat in 2004 and five years later oversaw the Italian car maker’s takeover of Chrysler, which saved the American firm from bankruptcy.

He succeeded the long-serving Luca di Montezemolo as Ferrari president in 2014 and in recent seasons F1’s most famous team have returned to title-contending form in a fierce battle with Mercedes.

Speaking in a statement last Saturday, Elkann described Marchionne as someone who “always made a difference”.

“What struck me about Sergio from the very beginning, when we met to talk about the possibility of him coming to work for the Group, even more than his management skills and unusual intelligence, were his human qualities, his generosity and the way he understood people,” said Elkann.

“Over the past 14 years together we have lived through successes and difficulties, internal and external crises, but also unique and unrepeatable moments, both personal and professional. For so many, Sergio has been an enlightened leader and a matchless point of reference.”

Elkann has assumed the role of Ferrari chairman with Louis Camilleri named CEO.

Tributes from the world of F1

Chase Carey, F1 chairman
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sergio Marchionne. He was a great leader of not just Formula 1 and the automobile world, but the business world overall.

“He led with great passion, energy and insight, and inspired all around him. His contributions to Formula 1 are immeasurable. He was also a true friend to all of us and he will be deeply missed. At this difficult time we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal

“This is a sad day for all of us in F1. We have a lost a huge supporter of our sport, a fierce competitor, an ally and a friend. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Sergio’s family and all at Ferrari at this difficult time.”
Fernando Alonso, ex-Ferrari driver
Sad news today. RIP Sergio. Great man and always very supportive. My condolences to his family and friends, and all the Scuderia Ferrari and Ferrari family.

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