2013 Ducati Motor Holding News
Since Audi AG took control of Ducati early last year, many have changes occurred in the Italian motorcycle manufacturer’s management team.
The last huge change in Ducati headquarters was the retirement of Filippo Preziosi as General Manager of Ducati Corse. Preziosi was replaced by former Superbike Director of BMW Motorrad, Bernhard Gobmeier.
But on Thursday, Ducati announced an even bigger change – a new CEO. Ducati says current CEO Gabriele Del Torchio, who spent six years in the position, will soon leave the company to “take up new professional challenges.” Sources say Del Torchio will take the role as CEO of the Italian airline Alitalia, which has had much trouble lately.
The company that created 1199 Panigale says Del Torchio’s successor will be Claudio Domenicali, current General Manager and Member of the Board of Directors at Ducati.
Much praise was given to Del Torchio by Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ducati Motor Holding.
Rupert Stadler says: “Del Torchio guided Ducati out of an economically difficult phase, back to a successful growth path and to the top of the worldwide segment of premium performance motorcycles. For that achievement, we express our gratitude on behalf of all Audi and Ducati employees and wish him all the best in his future tasks.”
Gabriele Del Torchio says: “I look back on six intensive, exciting and successful years. It was an intense experience which will remain an unforgettable memory. I leave Ducati in the knowledge that I have helped to place the company on a path of growth and strength.”
Domenicali joined the Ducati team in 1991 as project leader, eventually climbing in 1999 to Managing Director of Ducati Corse. Domenicali, who studied mechanical engineering at Università degli Studi di Bologna, then took over the role as R&D Director in 2005. He kept that position until 2009, when he was appointed General Manager Operations and Product Development. In 2012, he was confirmed as a member of the newly formed Board of Directors after the sale of Ducati Motor Holding to AUDI AG.
Rupert Stadler says: “Domenicali knows Ducati and the motorcycle business more than anyone. He embodies continuity and Ducati’s values in an exceptional manner.”
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A – An Audi Group Company
Founded in 1926, Ducati has been producing sport-inspired motorcycles since 1946. Their motorcycles are characterised by “Desmodromic” performance engines, innovative design and avant-garde technology. Covering several market segments, Ducati’s range of motorcycles are divided into model families which include: Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.
These authentic icons of “made in Italy” are sold in over 80 countries around the world, with concentration on the European, North-American and Asia Pacific markets. Ducati competes in both the World Superbike Championship and, with an official team, the World MotoGP Championship. In Superbike Ducati has won 17 Manufacturers’ titles and 14 Riders’ titles and in 2011 passed the historic milestone of 300 race victories. Ducati have participated in MotoGP since 2003, and took both the Manufacturers’ and Riders’ titles in 2007.
