Ferrari CEO Marco Mattiacci.
The 2012 Automotive Executive of the Year Award will be presented to Marco Mattiacci, President and CEO of Ferrari North America. Mattiacci will receive the annual award at the Detroit Athletic Club in May.
“Since taking the helm of Ferrari’s North American operations, which includes North, Central, and South America, Marco Mattiacci has grown sales in these markets 20 percent. This impressive growth has allowed Ferrari to hold its top position in the ultra-exclusive, yet increasingly competitive segment of the global luxury automotive industry,” notes Robert Djurovic, executive director of the Automotive Executive of the Year Award program, and director of automotive services North America, DNV.
“This year, the nominating committee chose to recognize Marco Mattiacci as an emerging leader whose accomplishments are impressive and worthy of recognition. Mr. Mattiacci and his team’s success in expanding the culture of one of the world’s most significant and exclusive brands is at the heart of this nomination.”
By honoring Mattiacci, the first Italian executive awarded the Automotive Executive of the Year Award, Djurovic says the automotive industry is recognizing Ferrari North America’s innovative marketing and sharp focus on customer satisfaction, ownership experience, and brand integrity.
“Ferrari reminds us all of what we love and cherish about the automotive industry–passion, design, racing, and best-in-class technology,” says Djurovic.
Mattiacci. said he was honored to receive the award on behalf of my Ferrari colleagues and the North American Dealer network. “After more than 55 years in North America, Ferrari’s largest market, we continue to showcase the company and its innovation, the growth of our product offerings, and consistently place a priority on the relationship with our clientele and enthusiasts. I am thrilled to be a part of the team that represents this iconic brand here in North America, and I would like to thank Ferrari President Luca Montezemolo and top management for giving us the vision, trust, resources, and outstanding products to succeed.”
Since 1964, the Automotive Executive of the Year Award–the longest-standing award in the industry–has recognized excellence in industry leadership. Past recipients include Alan Mulally, James O’Sullivan, Jim Press, Bill Ford, Jr., Dieter Zetsche, Henry Ford II, Rick Wagoner, Bob Lutz, Carlos Ghosn, and Lee Iacocca, among others.
The Automotive Executive of the Year Award nominating committee includes industry media, analysts as well as automotive supplier CEOs.