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Possibly the
least surprising news of the last few weeks to emerge from
the Fiat Group is that Auto Division CEO Herbert Demel has
finally been dumped.
The Austrian was
only ever a second choice for the CEO's job to Martin Leach,
a position which became vacant after the retirement of
Giancarlo Boschetti. At the time Leach was prevented from
taking up the position when his former employers Ford
activated an 'anti-competitive' clause in his contract, a
clause that was subsequently rendered invalid by a US judge.
Demel, who came
to Fiat from running Magna-Steyr, made few pronouncements,
and was regarded by many as being both out of his depth and
unable to adapt to life at the top of an Italian business.
He became increasingly marginalised as the new 'hands on'
Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne focused his attention ever
closer on turning around the loss making car division.
With the highly
regarded Leach conveniently waiting in the wings at Maserati,
speculation has constantly run on the lines of 'when' Demel
would be dumped, rather than 'if'. This weeks brand
reshuffle which has seen the Trident marque return to Fiat
Auto control, means that Leach has edged still closer to the
top job, although for the moment Marchionne has announced
that he will assume full responsibility for Demel's previous
duties.
Fiat Press Release - Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Group CEO, to
assume role of CEO, Fiat Auto
Sergio Marchionne, Fiat Group CEO, is assuming the role
of CEO, Fiat Auto, replacing Herbert Demel who is leaving
the company.
"Today’s
decision to take direct responsibility of Fiat Auto” said
Sergio Marchionne, “is aimed at concentrating Fiat Group’s
efforts to the recovery and re-launch of Fiat Auto.
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