Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs
Straight to the Source: Pininfarina chief moves to Fiat Group
Between its numerous brands and divisions, the Fiat Group has, over the years, sent a lot of work the way of Pininfarina. As if the repeat business weren't enough, another indication of the Italian auto conglomorate's evident satisfaction with the design house's work is their most recent hire: Lorenzo Ramaciotti.
In various capacities at Pininfarina, Ramaciotti has been responsible for some 20 concept cars and dozens more production cars that have included some of Italy's most beautiful designs, as well as some of the more controversial. Included in his portfolio are the Maserati Quattroporte and Ferrari's 550 Maranello, 360 Modena, F430, 612 Scaglietti and Enzo. Having joined Pininfarina straight out of engineering school at Turin Polytechnic, he made his way up through the hierarchy to general manager, board member and finally to chief executive.
In his new position with the Fiat Group, Ramaciotti will be in charge of all designs for future products from Fiat's various divisions, most notably Maserati and several upcoming Alfa Romeos. He'll be reporting directly to group boss Sergio Marchionne, and we'll be keenly watching to see the fruits of his labors.
Press release after the jump.
[Source: Fiat Group]
PRESS RELEASE:
Lorenzo Ramaciotti responsible for Style of Fiat Group Automobiles and Maserati
As of June 1, 2007, Lorenzo Ramaciotti will take on responsibility for the Style function of all the brands of Fiat Group Automobiles and for Maserati. He will directly report to Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of the Fiat Group.
Mr. Ramaciotti was born in 1948 in Modena and graduated in Mechanical Engineering at the Turin Polytechnic. He has a broad professional experience in automobile styling, which he earned at Pininfarina, one of the companies that represent the excellence of Italian styling.
He joined Pininfarina in 1973 and was soon charged with the responsibility for realising models and prototypes.
In 1982 he was appointed Deputy Manager of Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche at Cambiano, six years later he became General Manager and in 1994 he became a member of the Board of Directors.
In 2002 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pininfarina Ricerca e Sviluppo S.p.A.
During the 17-year-period in which he headed the Pininfarina design, he developed approximately 20 concept cars, several of which were awarded at the international level, and directed projects of successful automobiles, on behalf of Italian and several important foreign manufacturers.
He developed the Maserati Quattroporte, as well as some of the most beautiful Ferrari models: the 550 Maranello, the 360 Modena, the Ferrari Enzo, and the current Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brandon 9:02PM (5/25/2007)
Out of all the vehicles in the vast porfolio they hold, and he's leaning up against THAT one for a press shot? UGH!
Cheers,
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Barney 1:00AM (5/26/2007)
I understand that Fiat quality is now quite good. This man can only improve the Fiat line of cars further. Unfortunately his talent will be wasted on North Americans.
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Yago bal 7:34AM (5/26/2007)
The FIAT Group Automobiles includes Alfa Romeo and Lancia, besides FIAT.
North Americans will see something from Alfa Romeo soon! :) And Maserati is already in your shores, so... some of his tallent might reach the US.
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Eric Elinow 1:59PM (5/26/2007)
Brandon,
Why not lean against the Lacetti, it is a gorgeous saloon and attainable/recognisable by the public on pretty much every continent regardless of badge worn (holden, suzuki, chevrolet, buick, daewoo, etc.)
Eric
http://www.codedevl.com
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jgp 5:55PM (5/26/2007)
Agreed.
Daewoo engineering may suck, but their designs are usually pretty good. No doubt due to the fact that they outsource much of their designs to Italians (Pininfarina or Giugaro). Except the Tosca/Epica, which was designed in-house and is surprisingly good-looking.
Calebe 5:29PM (5/29/2007)
The designs are attractive. I do not think most people connect the styling of a car with the dodgy build quality it may get at the factory.
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