Fiat MD bows out as China chief steps up
Fiat Group Automobiles UK managing director Giulio Salomone is stepping down after two-and-a-half years in the role. He will be replaced by Fiat China chief Andrew Humberstone.
Salomone, who became Fiat’s third UK boss in as many months when he was appointed in April 2005 (MW April 28, 2005), has played an important part in the recent turnaround at the Italian car manufacturer. Its UK sales were up more than 64% to 58,831 last year – up from 35,828 on 2005.
Salomone is returning to Turin to run the Fiat brand’s dealer network, as well as its fleet and used car division.
He will report directly to Lorenzo Sistino, the new chief executive of the Fiat brand. Salomone has been with Fiat since 1987 and was senior vice-president of financial services at Fiat Auto in Turin before joining the UK business.
Humberstone starts his new role on Thursday and joins the UK business as it prepares to launch the new Fiat 500. He was previously vice-chairman of the Nanjing-Fiat joint venture and chief representative of Fiat Auto China. Prior to that he worked at Fiat India.
Fiat promoted Luca De Meo to the new role of chief marketing officer for the Fiat Group in September in the biggest marketing shake-up at the Italian carmaker in recent years (MW September 27).
De Meo, who was previously chief executive of the Fiat brand, now oversees marketing for all of Fiat’s marques, including the main brands Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Maserati and Lancia.
