Sergio Marchionne, the former president of both Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler, died Wednesday from complications following a surgical procedure on his shoulder in Italy three weeks ago, according to several news reports.
Marchionne was 66.
He is widely credited for saving both Fiat and Chrysler, and then combining them into a profitable business. It could be said that beloved vehicles like the Dodge Challenger Hellcat, the new Jeep Wrangler JL, and some high performance Alfa Romeo models wouldn’t exist with Marchionne spearheading Fiat Chrysler.
He was not just the business figurehead at two of the world’s most significant automakers, but was also a towering figure in Formula 1 racing.
Marchionne 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,” Formula 1 Chairman Chase Carey said in an Autoweek report.
To read more about Marchionne’s passing and the legacy he lives behind in the automotive and motorsports industries, check out:
From the New York Times: Sergio Marchionne, Who Revived Fiat and Chrysler, Dies at 66
From Bloomberg: Sergio Marchionne, CEO Who Steered Fiat Chrysler, Dies Aged 66
From Jalopnik: Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Turnaround Artist and Iconoclast, Dies at 66
A true giant of the industry. Brought back a revitalized Alfa Romeo back to the US as well a saving Chrysler from certain extinction. Every Hellcat and Demon owner should lay down at least a 100 ft of rubber in his honor! Sergio R.I.P.