Ferrari names former BMW Italy head as new marketing chief after Luce EV debut

MILAN, June 23 (Reuters) - Ferrari said on Tuesday it had appointed former BMW Italy head Massimiliano Di Silvestre as its chief marketing and commercial officer, replacing long-serving executive Enrico Galliera.

The management change comes shortly after Ferrari unveiled the divisive Luce, its first electric car, in a launch that drew widespread criticism.

Di Silvestre, who left BMW at the end of last month after serving as president and CEO of the group's operations in Italy for almost seven years, will take up the new role on July 1. He will join Ferrari's leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Benedetto Vigna, the luxury sports car maker said in a statement. 

Ferrari said Di Silvestre brings more than two decades of international experience in the premium and luxury automotive sector, including expertise in business transformation and commercial development.

Under Di Silvestre, who joined BMW in 2012, the German company gained a leading position in Italy's premium auto market in 2024 and 2025.

GALLIERA LEAVES AFTER 16 YEARS

One of Ferrari's top executives, Galliera has spent more than 16 years at Ferrari, helping the group to strengthen its global brand appeal. 

He "has decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey — a decision shared with the company some time ago," the company said in a statement.

Galliera and Ferrari had decided to part ways at the beginning of this year, agreeing that he would stay on for the important EV launch, a source told Reuters.

"I would like to thank Enrico for the extraordinary contribution he has made to Ferrari throughout his long career," CEO Vigna said, underscoring his role in strengthening the brand globally. 

LUCE FACES CRITICISM

Ferrari unveiled the five-seat Luce EV late last month, triggering a flurry of criticism, including on social media, over the model's unconventional design compared to Ferrari's typical muscular and aggressive aesthetic, and the company's decision to deviate from its legacy petrol-powered engines.

Days after the presentation, Vigna said Ferrari was receiving "strong interest" for the car, both from new and existing customers.

Since then, the company has not given any further updates on Luce's orders, and said it would only provide precise figures at the end of July, when releasing its second-quarter results.

(Reporting by Giulio PiovaccariEditing by Keith Weir)