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Martin Leach Fired

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by 410SA, Feb 21, 2005.

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  1. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
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    #1 410SA, Feb 21, 2005
    Martin Leach was fired today and his job went to the head of Alfa Romeo Heinz Kalfbell, who will continue to oversee Alfa together with Maserati.
    Frank Stephenson has been moved to head of design at Fiat Auto.

    All of these moves were not unexpected as Fiat moves to consolidate the Alfa/Maserati grouping for a possible sale to VW or another major player.

    Leach is the big loser in the Maserati shuffle from Ferrari to Fiat. It's a pity as he is a competent exec but is also embroiled in a huge lawsuit with Ford of Europe, his previous employer where he was CEO until about a year ago.
     
  2. tfazio

    tfazio Formula 3
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    #2 tfazio, Feb 21, 2005
    Leach was hired on in May right? He didn't have time to do anything. I thought having a certified car guy running Maserati could only be a good thing. It definitely looks like Alfa/Maser must be on the block. Do you think Ford is interested(highly doubt it) and that is why Leach was given the boot? There were rumors that General Motors was interested in Leach before he took the Maserati job. Maybe he will join them in the future.
     
  3. BJS

    BJS Formula Junior

    Jan 18, 2004
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    Brad Stephenson
    #3 BJS, Feb 22, 2005
    Doesn't seem like a smart move if one is interested in the long-term survival of the Maserati marque. God, I hate to see them trashing the brand again.

    It would seem like they would have been able to find a home for a talented leader - somewhere in the organization. Of course, he would always carry with him the 'curse' of being considered for the top job. That perhaps is the undoing here; there's only room at the top for one giant ego...
     
  4. amenasce

    amenasce Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Joe Mansion
    #4 amenasce, Feb 22, 2005
    This whole Ferrari Maserati thing is an italian salad !
     
  5. Cavallini

    Cavallini Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
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    #5 Cavallini, Feb 22, 2005
    That's a shame. Leach seemed to be the best man for the job, especially with Maserati's closeness to Ferrari. But I can't imagine Alfa and Maserati being placed on the auction block. They could be a superb member of the $50K- $100K market.
    I saw pics of the QP at the Chicago show and it is stunning! I would hate to see ruined by the wrong corporate ownership.


    Forza,


    Cavallini
     
  6. Kevallino

    Kevallino Formula 3

    Feb 10, 2004
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    #6 Kevallino, Mar 17, 2005
    Well, he can always go back to that "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" show he used to do.

    Cheers
    Kevin
     
  7. pmonto

    pmonto Rookie

    Aug 24, 2004
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    #7 pmonto, Mar 17, 2005
    Too bad about Leach but I have heard that Kalbfell is a top notch guy who is truly a car guy with a bunch of premium experience. He was responsible for Group Marketing at BMW for years and directed quite successfully, it seems, Product Strategy, Product Management, Brand Strategy and a number of other mktg areas.

    He is said to be responsible for the MINI success...as well as the architect behind the idea of M products. Not too shabby and possibly better CV than being responsible for the Ka, the Mondeo, and the Focus.
     

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