Sergio Marchionne
Born 1952 · Age 73
Italian–Canadian business executive best known for turning around Fiat and Chrysler and for leading the creation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy
Sergio Marchionne was born to Concezio Marchionne and Maria Zuccon in Chieti, Abruzzo.
Emigrated with family to Toronto, Canada
At about age 13 Marchionne and his family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where they had relatives; he later carried dual Canadian and Italian citizenship.
Completed undergraduate studies in philosophy at University of Toronto
Completed undergraduate studies in philosophy (Bachelor's level) at the University of Toronto (year from Britannica reference).
Received Bachelor of Commerce, University of Windsor
Awarded BComm from the University of Windsor.
Earned law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School
Graduated with a law degree (LL.B./J.D. equivalent) from Osgoode Hall, York University.
Joined Deloitte & Touche as accountant and tax specialist
Started professional career as an accountant and tax specialist at Deloitte & Touche in Canada (1983–1985).
Earned MBA from University of Windsor
Completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Windsor (MBA, 1985).
Joined Lawson Mardon Group, Group Controller / Director
Served as Group Controller and then Director of Corporate Development at Lawson Mardon Group in Toronto (1985–1988).
Executive Vice President at Glenex Industries
Moved to Glenex Industries as Executive Vice President, serving for about two years.
VP Finance and CFO at Acklands Ltd.
Appointed Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Acklands Ltd. (1990–1992).
Returned to Lawson Group as VP Legal & CFO
Served as Vice President of Legal and Corporate Development and CFO of the Lawson Group until its acquisition in 1994.
Joined Alusuisse Lonza Group (Algroup)
After Lawson Group was acquired by Alusuisse Lonza (Algroup), Marchionne moved to Algroup (1994–2000).
Became CEO of Algroup
Promoted to Chief Executive Officer at Alusuisse Lonza Group (Algroup) in 1997.
CEO and Managing Director of Lonza Group (spin-off)
After Algroup's corporate changes, he took the helm of the Lonza Group in Basel as CEO and Managing Director (2000–2001).
Chairman of Lonza Group
Served as Chairman of Lonza after being CEO/Managing Director (chair appointment in 2002).
Named CEO & Managing Director of SGS S.A.
In February 2002, Marchionne became CEO and Managing Director of SGS S.A., the Geneva-based testing, verification and certification company.
Elected independent board member of Fiat S.p.A.
Elected as an independent member of Fiat S.p.A.'s Board of Directors (May 2003).
Appointed CEO of Fiat S.p.A.
Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fiat S.p.A. (2004), beginning the turnaround of the group.
Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of Windsor
Received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from his alma mater, the University of Windsor (2005).
Fiat returned to profitability
Under Marchionne's restructuring and product program, Fiat posted its first profit after 17 quarters (around 2005) and began to recover.
First elected president of ACEA
First elected to lead the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in January 2006 (served as chairman for 2012; re-election in 2007 noted).
Appointed Chairman of SGS
Following his CEO role at SGS, he was appointed Chairman in March 2006.
Awarded Cavaliere del Lavoro
Honoured with the Italian title Cavaliere del Lavoro on 1 June 2006.
Fiat 500 relaunch (modern retro-styled model)
Under Marchionne's push for new models and rapid programs, the retro-styled Fiat 500 was launched (the relaunch and global product program is associated with 2007).
Multiple honorary degrees (CUOA, Università di Cassino)
Received a Masters honoris causa from the CUOA Foundation and a degree in Economics honoris causa from Università degli Studi di Cassino in 2007.
Vice Chairman of UBS (2008–2010)
Served as vice chairman of Swiss bank UBS between 2008 and 2010.
Honorary degree in Industrial Engineering and Management, Polytechnic University of Turin
Received a degree ad honorem in Industrial Engineering and Management in 2008.
Chrysler repaid some government loans after Chapter 11
Less than two years after Fiat's alliance and Marchionne's leadership, Chrysler returned to profitability and repaid portions of U.S. and Canadian government loans.
Chrysler emerges from Chapter 11; Fiat receives 20% stake
When Chrysler emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2009, Fiat Group received a 20% stake in Chrysler Group LLC and Marchionne was appointed CEO of Chrysler (replacing Robert Nardelli).
Fiat Group dividend and improved financial results (2006–2007 era)
Between 2006–2007 Fiat's net profit and dividends resumed under Marchionne's restructuring and product rollouts (notable press coverage around Jan 2007).
Awarded Premio Pico della Mirandola
Received the Premio Pico della Mirandola in 2010.
Deming Cup and Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award
Awarded the Deming Cup for operational excellence and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award in 2011.
Controversial 'shyster rates' remark and apology
At a J.D. Power roundtable in February 2011, he said U.S. government loans to Chrysler carried 'shyster rates' and promptly apologized publicly.
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration, University of Toledo
Received an Honorary DBA from the University of Toledo on 8 May 2011.
Fiat increases stake in Chrysler to 53.5%
Following purchase of ownership interests held by Canada and the U.S. Treasury in July 2011, Fiat's stake in Chrysler rose to 53.5%.
Elected Chairman of Chrysler
In September 2011 Marchionne was elected Chairman of Chrysler in addition to CEO responsibilities.
Honorary doctorate from Walsh College
Awarded an honorary doctorate by Walsh College in 2013.
Positioned Ferrari as separate, investable brand
Led strategic moves culminating in Ferrari's separation and listing/spin-off activities and the $2.5B convertible issuance to back the separation.
Fiat and Chrysler merge into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
On 1 August 2014 Fiat and Chrysler merged into the new holding company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), becoming the seventh-largest automaker globally.
Ferrari spin-off financing announced (convertible bond)
Fiat announced the spin-off of Ferrari and issuance of a $2.5 billion convertible bond to support the transaction (Reuters, 29 Oct 2014).
Recognized for industry consolidation advocacy
Gained broad recognition for speeches and advocacy for consolidation in the auto industry, influencing industry debate (notably his 2015 talk).
Awarded Hennick Medal and SAE Foundation Industry Leadership Award
Received the Hennick Medal for Career Achievement and the SAE Foundation Industry Leadership Award in 2015.
Presented 'Confessions of a Capital Junkie'
Delivered a highly regarded 2015 presentation advocating benefits of industry consolidation titled 'Confessions of a Capital Junkie.'
EPA accuses Fiat Chrysler of excess diesel emissions
In January 2017 the EPA accused Fiat Chrysler of using software to hide diesel emissions in some EcoDiesel engines; Marchionne denied wrongdoing.
Degree honoris causa in Mechatronics Engineering, University of Trento
Received an honorary degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Trento (2017).
FCA reported strong sales growth since 2009
By 2017 FCA had reported sales roughly double those of 2009 in certain reporting; used as evidence of turnaround success under Marchionne.
Underwent shoulder surgery and took medical leave
Took medical leave for shoulder surgery at the University Hospital of Zürich; FCA later announced he would not return due to post-surgical complications.
Public reveal of serious illness and limited knowledge within FCA
Reports indicated Marchionne had been treated for a 'serious illness' for over a year before his death and that FCA executives were unaware until weeks before his final leave.
Wore a necktie to celebrate FCA debt repayment
On 1 June 2018 Marchionne wore a necktie to mark FCA's repayment of debt — notable because he rarely wore ties publicly.
Last public appearance — presented a Jeep to the Carabinieri
Made his final public appearance in Rome on 26 June 2018 when presenting a Jeep to Italy's Carabinieri.
Resigned from all corporate positions
On 21 July 2018 Marchionne resigned from all positions at FCA, Ferrari, SGS and CNH after serious post-surgical complications; replacements were named.
Died in Zürich, Switzerland
Sergio Marchionne died on 25 July 2018 following complications related to surgery and a serious illness; reports suggest invasive shoulder cancer.
Posthumous World Car Person of the Year
Awarded the World Car Person of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March 2019 (posthumous recognition).
Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame
Posthumously inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame on 18 July 2019 for his career achievements.
Istituto Sergio Marchionne high school opened in Amatrice
A high school named in his honour was opened in Amatrice on 6 November 2019, rebuilt after the 2016 earthquake and largely financed by sale of the 500th LaFerrari.
Key Achievement Ages
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