Ferrari North America's Marco Mattiacci Accepts 2012 Automotive Executive Of The Year Award

DETROIT, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The prestigious 2012 Automotive Executive of the Year Award was presented today to Marco Mattiacci, president and CEO of Ferrari North America. Mattiacci received the recognition surrounded by more than 200 automotive executives and suppliers, as well as Ferrari guests, dealers, customers, and enthusiasts at an invitation-only luncheon held at the historic Detroit Athletic Club (DAC).

"I accept this award on behalf of the 3,400 worldwide employees of Ferrari," Mattiacci told the audience. "My leadership is really about the Ferrari brand and making sure that our company continues its growth, success, and commitment to innovation and pioneering new technologies."

Mattiacci took questions from the guests and then met members of the media and others for interviews and photo opportunities at an impressive display of 11 Ferraris, which was also on-site.

"Under Marco Mattiacci's leadership, Ferrari has achieved tremendous momentum in North America," commented Robert Djurovic, DNV Business Assurance's director of automotive services—North America and executive director of the 2012 Automotive Executive of the Year Award program. "He is recognized today as an emerging leader whose success in sustaining and expanding the culture of one of the world's most significant and exclusive brands is at the heart of his eligibility for this award."

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.

By honoring Mattiacci—the first Italian awarded the Automotive Executive of the Year Award and one of the youngest leaders ever to receive it—Djurovic said 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," Djurovic said.

Since 1964, the Automotive Executive of the Year Award—the longest-standing and most historically relevant award in the industry—has recognized excellence in industry leadership. Past recipients include Alan Mulally, James O'Sullivan, Jim Press, Carroll Shelby (Lifetime Achievement Award), Bill Ford, Jr., Dieter Zetsche, Henry Ford II, Rick Wagoner, Bob Lutz, Carlos Ghosn, and Lee Iacocca, among others.

Photos available at www.autoexecoftheyear.com

SOURCE Automotive Executive of the Year