.Lefteris.
14th January 2009, 08:20
Luca De Meo, CEO of Alfa Romeo and Abarth, and head of marketing for the Fiat Group, has unexpectedly resigned.
De Meo, a charismatic representative for Fiat and a man tipped to one day take on the position of CEO, joined Fiat in 2002 as marketing manager for Lancia. He rapidly rose within the firm and was appointed chief marketing officer for the Fiat Group in September 2007.
He took on the additional role of CEO of Alfa Romeo in December 2007, tasked with reintroducing the brand in the USA - a re-launch now delayed until at least 2011. Prior to joining Fiat, he worked for Renault in Italy and France, and for Toyota Motor Europe.
De Meo is reported to have been 'poached' by another manufacturer. He said in a statement this week: 'I am grateful to Fiat for the unique professional and personal experience it has given me. However, at 41, I feel the need to take a new professional path. The memory of seven marvellous, unforgettable years which have enabled me to grow, through the various difficult and stimulating challenges, will always remain with me.'
De Meo, a charismatic representative for Fiat and a man tipped to one day take on the position of CEO, joined Fiat in 2002 as marketing manager for Lancia. He rapidly rose within the firm and was appointed chief marketing officer for the Fiat Group in September 2007.
He took on the additional role of CEO of Alfa Romeo in December 2007, tasked with reintroducing the brand in the USA - a re-launch now delayed until at least 2011. Prior to joining Fiat, he worked for Renault in Italy and France, and for Toyota Motor Europe.
De Meo is reported to have been 'poached' by another manufacturer. He said in a statement this week: 'I am grateful to Fiat for the unique professional and personal experience it has given me. However, at 41, I feel the need to take a new professional path. The memory of seven marvellous, unforgettable years which have enabled me to grow, through the various difficult and stimulating challenges, will always remain with me.'