Amedeo Felisa

Amedeo Felisa is an esteemed Italian automotive executive renowned for his transformative leadership at Ferrari and later at Aston Martin. His career, spanning over four decades, is marked by pivotal roles in product development, strategic management, and guiding luxury automotive brands through periods of significant evolution. Felisa is widely credited with steering key technical and commercial projects that solidified Ferrari's market dominance and, more recently, orchestrating the ambitious turnaround of the historic British marque Aston Martin.

Early life and education

Born on June 17, 1946, in Milan, Italy, Amedeo Felisa developed an early interest in engineering. He pursued his passion at the prestigious Polytechnic University of Milan, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. His academic foundation provided the technical rigor that would later define his approach to automotive design and high-performance vehicle development. Following his graduation, Felisa began his professional journey in the automotive industry, initially gaining experience with Alfa Romeo before his career-defining move to Maranello.

Career at Ferrari

Felisa joined Ferrari in 1990, initially working under the legendary technical director Mauro Forghieri. He quickly ascended through the ranks, holding significant positions including Director of Product Development and General Manager. A key figure during the tenure of CEO Luca di Montezemolo, Felisa played a central role in the development and launch of iconic models such as the Ferrari F430, the Ferrari 458 Italia, and the groundbreaking Ferrari LaFerrari hybrid hypercar. His leadership extended to Ferrari's Formula One activities, where he contributed to the team's competitive strategy during the successful era with driver Michael Schumacher. In 2008, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Jean Todt, and guided the company through the global financial crisis of 2007–2008, maintaining profitability and launching successful models like the Ferrari FF. He served as CEO until 2016, overseeing the company's final years as part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles before its spin-off.

Leadership at Aston Martin

After departing Ferrari, Felisa joined the board of Aston Martin Lagonda in 2020 as a non-executive director, bringing his luxury automotive expertise to the struggling British manufacturer. In May 2022, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Tobias Moers. Tasked with executing the ambitious "Project Horizon" turnaround strategy, Felisa focused on revitalizing the product portfolio, improving profitability, and strengthening the balance sheet. He oversaw the launch of critical new models, including the DB12 and the Vantage, and secured a significant strategic investment from Geely and continued partnership with Mercedes-Benz Group. In 2024, he transitioned to the role of Executive Chairman, handing the CEO position to Adrian Hallmark to guide the next phase of the company's growth.

Other professional roles

Beyond his core roles at Ferrari and Aston Martin, Felisa has served in several advisory and directorial capacities. He has been a member of the board of directors for Pirelli, the global tire manufacturer, contributing his insights into high-performance automotive markets. His expertise is also sought in the realm of industrial design and innovation. Furthermore, following his tenure as CEO, he remained a respected figure in the automotive industry, often participating in industry forums and providing consultancy on luxury brand strategy and electric vehicle development for premium segments.

Personal life

Amedeo Felisa maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and has children. A dedicated engineer at heart, he is known to have a deep passion for the technical and aesthetic aspects of automobiles, which has been the constant thread throughout his professional journey. He resides primarily in Italy but spends considerable time in the United Kingdom due to his responsibilities at Aston Martin. His legacy is that of a pragmatic and highly effective leader who successfully navigated the upper echelons of the exclusive sports car manufacturing world.

Category:1946 births Category:Living people Category:Italian businesspeople Category:Automotive executives Category:Polytechnic University of Milan alumni Category:Ferrari people Category:Aston Martin people