Moers leaves Aston Martin over ‘strategic differences’ with Stroll
Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers has parted ways with the British carmaker over what is said to be “strategic differences” with Lawrence Stroll.
Aston Martin confirmed Moers’ departure on Wednesday.
According to Carbuzz.com, Moers had some “strategic differences” with Aston Martin backer Stroll, the Canadian having invested heavily in the company linking it up with his Formula 1 team.
Moers and Stroll, though, are said to have not seen eye-to-eye with reports back in January already suggesting that his time as Aston Martin CEO was limited.
The report added that ‘details on the specifics of Moers’ departure and Stroll’s role in it are unclear, and we expect them to stay that way. Aston doesn’t want to go airing dirty laundry.’
Official: Tobias Moers' journey as the CEO of Aston Martin comes to an abrupt and immediate end, less than two years since his appointment. Ex-Ferrari boss Amedeo Felisa takes over.
Moers was part of Daimler for 25+ years, and took Mercedes-AMG to dizzying heights. pic.twitter.com/qdb5Mql0al
— Amaan Ahmed (@MrAhmedSays) May 4, 2022
If the report is accurate it is not the first time top management has quit because of Stroll with Otmar Szafnauer leaving the Aston Martin F1 team over the winter.
He cited his relationship with Stroll – “two popes, that’s not possible” – as one of the reasons for his exit.
Aston Martin confirmed the news of Moers’ departure on Wednesday morning, adding that former Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa will take up the role of CEO from 1 June 2022.
“Amedeo will focus on delivering the Company’s continued strategic objectives, financial targets and roadmap towards electrification,” said a statement from the British carmaker.
“To meet these goals, Amedeo is to implement and lead a new organisational structure with a focus on broadening the technical team through the promotion of internal talent together with added expertise of strategic external hires, identified and set to be announced in the coming weeks.”
Stroll thanked Moers for his time with the company , the former AMG man having been CEO since August 2020, and welcomed Felisa to the new role.
“Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for all that Tobias has achieved,” said the Canadian billionaire.
“He joined Aston Martin at a critical time for the Company and brought significant discipline to its operations. The benefit of these actions is clear in the improved operating performance of the Company and in our great new product launches.
“There is a need for the business to enter a new phase of growth with a new leadership team and structure to ensure we deliver on our goals. Our new organisational framework will support the Company to… foster greater collaboration… especially with our strategic partners, including Mercedes-Benz AG, and further accelerate technology transfer programmes with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team.”
“I am extremely pleased that Amedeo has agreed to take on the role of CEO. He has extensive knowledge of both Aston Martin’s business and the wider automotive industry with an excellent track record and previous experience of leading a major ultra-luxury car manufacturer.”
Roberto Fedeli, another former Ferrari hotshot, will take over as chief technical officer.