Sergio Marchionne, self proclaimed fixer who built Fiat Chrysler dies at 66.

Marchionne, a brilliant mind was lost this past week. He has been credited with engineering one of the biggest audibles in the automative realm to save both Fiat and Chrysler. His charisma and drive certainly were displayed often throughout his career. Sergio started out as a young Italian immigrant to then sky-rocket to success seemingly out of no where. 

Marchionne captivated the global auto industry over the last ten years with his candid assessments, tireless competitive spirit, remarkable transparency and multiple roles: chairman and CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, chairman and CEO of Ferrari, chairman of Maserati, and chairman of CNH Industrial, a European producer of trucks, buses, tractors and construction vehicles (http://www.autonews.com/article/20180725/OEM02/180729897/sergio-marchion...).

Ultimately though this stellar career was cut short after Marchionne fell ill after a supposed routine shoulder surgery. Reactions to the news have rippled far beyond just the automotive industry and stretch right up to our President, Donald Trump. Read on below for some reactions to the news:

• Bill Ford Jr. quoted, “Sergio Marchionne was one of the most respected leaders in the industry whose creativity and bold determination helped to restore Chrysler to financial health and grow Fiat Chrysler into a profitable global automaker. His extraordinary leadership, candor and passion for the industry will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.”
• "Sergio Marchionne, who passed away today, was one of the most brilliant & successful car executives since the days of the legendary Henry Ford. It was a great honor for me to get to know Sergio as POTUS, he loved the car industry, and fought hard for it. He will be truly missed!” -Donald Trump, Twitter
• “NADA is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Sergio Marchionne. He was a force of nature and a true visionary within our industry. Franchised dealers will always be grateful for his unrelenting drive and incredible focus, which not only helped steer one of the world’s most iconic brands through some pretty dark days, but through foresight helped position that brand for success and growth in a changing market. He will leave a lasting legacy, and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.” Wes Lutz, NADA Chairman

Following the passing of Marchionne the company has appointed Mike Manley , 54, former head of the automaker's Jeep and Ram brands, as Marchionne's successor. Even though Marchionne is no longer with us his legacy and work ethic left a mark on the automotive industry for decades to come.