Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
Sergio Marchionnewas a Canadian Italian business executive who, as CEO, reinvigorated Italian automobile manufacturer Fiat SpA in the first decade of the 21st century.
Marchionne was born into an Italian military family. When he was 14, his family immigrated to Toronto. He later earned a bachelorâs degree in philosophy (1978) from the University of Toronto, a bachelorâs degree in commerce (1979) and a masterâs degree in business (1985) from the University of Windsor, and a law degree (1983) from Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Toronto.
He joined the board of Fiat SpA in 2003 and the following year became CEO. Though lacking in engineering experience, Marchionne was unexpectedly selected two years later as CEO of the automotive division Fiat Group Automobiles SpA. He quickly returned the troubled car company to profitability, however, by downsizing and restructuring management as well as by speeding the introduction of new models, notably the retro-styled minicar sensation Fiat 500.
In 2009 Marchionne replaced Robert Nardelli as CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. Fiat had gained control of the American car company following its emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Marchionne, because of his tremendous success in turning around the formerly troubled Fiat, was placed at the helm. In 2011 Chrysler reported its first profit in five years.
