Luca Cordero di Montezemolo represents the winning Italian tradition, and is closely connected with the legendary Ferrari. Scuderia Ferrari started out in Modena back in 1929. The company expanded in 1943 and moved its plant to Maranello. In 1972 the test track, a real Formula 1 stronghold, was inaugurated in the nearby municipality of Fiorano. Cordero di Montezemolo joined the company in the 1970s as assistant to Enzo Ferrari responsible for sports management, winning two world titles. Enzo Ferrari taught him two vital things: “Don’t give in, and look wholeheartedly to the future”. Appointed as chairman of Ferrari in 1991, and of Maserati in 1997, he relaunched the entire group via a steady investment development strategy aimed at people and technologies. Under his leadership Ferrari has beaten all sporting records: four consecutive Formula 1 world constructors’ championships, three consecutive world drivers’ championships and, this year, 15 out of 17 Gran Prix wins. In the manufacturing field, the company’s success is primarily based on its human resources and Italian ingenuity, including a constant quest for excellence in technologies, quality of life within and beyond the plant, and environmental protection. The company has become increasingly important in the world of Italian entrepreneurship, and is a prime symbol of the image of Italy’s entire economic system. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo’s respect for human values is aptly summed up in this quotation from him: “You need exceptional people to make exceptional cars”.

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