Ferrari Hires Tech Industry Veteran As CEO, Signaling Electric Future

Benedetto vigna is a STMicroelectronics employee, where he has worked since 1995.

Louis Camilleri, Ferrari’s previous CEO, stated that he did not see the automaker ever becoming fully electric. The brand will offer its first fully-electric vehicle in 2025. A new CEO will lead this effort. The Italian automaker today announced Benetto Vigna, who brings decades of experience from the technology sector to Ferrari.

Vigna has spent the last 26 years at STMicroelectronics, most recently serving as president of the company’s Analog, MEMS (Micro-electromechanical Systems), and Sensors Group, ST’s largest and most profitable sector last year. He was the founder of the MEMS activities at STMicroelectronics. Ferrari stated that Ferrari’s “deep understanding of the technologies driving change in our industry…will further enhance” the automaker. As automakers incorporate more technology into their cars, including electric powertrains, semiconductors and chips are hot commodities.

Ferrari Hires Tech Industry Veteran As CEO, Signaling Electric Future

Although Ferrari has not yet detailed its EV drive, a patent issued in early 2020 showed what the company was at least considering for the future. It was a patent that covered a four motor, four-wheel drive mid-engine car which could support fully electric or hybrid powertrains. In 2019, the company released its first hybrid, the SF90 Stradale. It was the company’s fastest road car with 986 horsepower (753 kilowatts). The company stated that hybrids would make up 60 percent of its sales by 2022.

Vigna assumes control of Ferrari in a moment when electric motors are starting to be accessible to everyone. Ferrari could face a problem if they don’t have access to mainstream EVs that offer high performance at affordable prices. It is smart to choose a technology veteran to lead Ferrari as the industry changes rapidly. Vigna will assume the role as Ferrari’s CEO starting September 1.