Sergio Marchionne – Siamo in lutto
Like the rest of the world, we mourn the passing of this fine human, Sergio Marchionne. He was a CEO without equals, he was tough when he needed to be, super intelligent, creative, bold and determined, and above all did not compromise his integrity.
He was born in Italy, spent his teen years and early career in Canada, where the company he worked for was acquired by Alusuisse. His talents were appreciated there and he had a steep career eventually becoming CEO of the Swiss Alusuisse. He was also the creator of Lonza, a spin off from Alusuisse. In 2002 as CEO of SGS he succeeded with an incredible turnaround in record time. This well publicized success caught the attention of the Fiat-Family Agnelli who convinced him to move to Fiat. His achievements from 2004 in the automobile industry are legendary, turning around Fiat, then Chrysler in 2014 (where the share value tripled in 4 years), as well as revitalizing Ferrari particularly in F1.
He also had Swiss citizenship and lived in the Swiss town of Schindellegi.
He had a love of speed that he knew be dangerous. In 2007, he wrecked a $350,000 Ferrari on a highway in Switzerland. “In the car business, sometimes you crash,” he said. His only vice was cigarettes, and though rumored he had lung cancer, we hope that this was not the case.
Our deepest commiseration to his family, friends and colleagues. He made the world a richer place, leaving a rich legacy and a vision that changed people’s lives.
