Martin Leach to be CEO of Maserati & a promotion for Todt

ROME - Ferrari said Tuesday it has named Martin Leach, the former head of Ford Motor Co.'s European operations, to be the next chief executive of its luxury sports car unit Maserati.

Leach had been in the running last year to become CEO of the auto division of Ferrari's parent company Fiat. But the nomination was blocked after Ford invoked a non-compete cause to prevent him from finding another auto industry job.

In October, Fiat Auto hired former Volkswagen Brazil head Herbert Demel as its chief executive.

Last month, Ford dropped its bid to prevent Leach from finding another industry job.

Leach will take over at Maserati in June, Ferrari said in a statement. He is replacing Antonello Perricone, who will take another, unidentified job in the Fiat group, according to a statement.

Leach will head Maserati as the legendary brand tries to roll out new models and boost sales, especially in North America.

Luca di Montezemolo, the current Ferrari chairman and chief executive, will keep his post, the statement said. Montezemolo has been recently named chairman of Italy's powerful business lobby, Confindustria, leading some to doubt he would keep both jobs.

Jean Todt, Ferrari's racing director, will become director-general of the company, Ferrari said.

Fiat owns 56 percent of Ferrari.