Robert Ronchi has been chosen to head-up the Maserati brand for Fiat Auto Group with immediate effect.

Ronchi first joined the Fiat Group in 2002 in the role of commercial director for Maserati. Over time he assumed additional responsibilities for marketing and moved over to Fiat Auto in April 2005.

“Maserati is a great brand and has a long heritage,” says Ronchi. “Over the last eight years we’ve seen global growth of 12%. This next year will be important for us for further growth with our new models.”

Ronchi, who will retain his current responsibilities for automotive fleet sales and network development, is replacing Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, the former Rolls-Royce chief.

In a statement Fiat thanked Kalbfell for his “significant contributions to the development of both Alfa Romeo and Maserati” and wished him success in the future.

Ronchi’s appointment follows on from major changes in March at Maserati GB, the brand’s importing division.

As part of a restructure to its management team, Andrea Antonnicola was named managing director of Maserati GB.

The new set-up also included head of marketing Mike Biscoe, head of sales Peter Denton and head of finance Robert Smeeton.


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