|
 The Italian joins from sponsor Philip Morris where he held senior
positions in marketing and promotions. He is also an independent
board member of Juventus soccer club.
Ferrari chairman Sergio Marchionne said in a statement that the team
and Formula One needed "a person with a thorough understanding not
just of Ferrari but also of the governance mechanisms and
requirements of the sport.
"Maurizio has a unique wealth of knowledge: he has been extremely
close to the Scuderia for years and, as a member of the F1
Commission, is also keenly aware of the challenges we are facing,"
he added.
"He has been a constant source of innovative ideas focused on
revitalization of Formula One. His managerial experience on a highly
complex and closely regulated market is also of great importance."
 Mattiacci, who replaced Stefano Domenicali when the principal
resigned in April, was parachuted in from Ferrari North America
where he was president and chief executive.
He never looked comfortable in the high-profile sporting role,
however, while Ferrari's performance on the track continued to
decline.
The glamor team ended the season in Abu Dhabi without a single race
win, for the first time since 1993, and the conclusion of the
campaign also saw the departure of double world champion Fernando
Alonso.
Germany's four-times champion Sebastian Vettel has been signed from
Red Bull as the Spaniard's replacement.
Ferrari have also had upheaval at the very top with the enforced
departure of long-serving president Luca Di Montezemolo, a link with
the team's late founder Enzo, last month.
[to top of second column] |
He has been replaced by Fiat Chrysler chief executive Marchionne.
Arrivabene ensures Ferrari have a Formula One insider at the helm at
a time when the sport faces considerable financial challenges with
two small teams plunging into administration and fears that others
could follow.
There are calls to reduce the price of the new V6 turbo engines and
also for a more even distribution of revenues currently heavily
skewed toward big teams like Ferrari, the sport's oldest and most
successful outfit.
Arrivabene has represented all sponsors on the Formula One
Commission since 2010, a role that means he is well acquainted with
the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
