Domenicali heads up Lamborghini 23 | 02 | 2016

LAMBORGHINI HAS NAMED former Ferrari F1 boss Stefano Domenicali (pictured) as president and CEO. The Italian replaces Stephan Winkelmann who will move to Audi’s Quattro GmbH division.

"I am very excited to be taking on the challenges of this great legacy," Domenicali, who will take up his new role on March 15, said. "It is now my duty to continue the successes that my predecessor Stephan Winkelmann achieved for Automobili Lamborghini."

Domenicali (50) took over as Ferrai F1 team principal in 2008 having started with the Italian supercar maker in finance in 1991.

In 2014 he resigned from Ferrari and was employed by the VW Group at Audi as vice president of new business initiatives. This appointment sparked rumours that Audi was contemplating joining F1.

Related: Ferrari unveils 'new' FF

Winkelmann (51), meanwhile, has led the Sant'Agata car maker for the past 10 years under its VW Group ownership. During his tenure, Lamborghini saw production double and turnover triple.

But having introduced models like the Huracan and Aventador, Winkelmann leaves before the Urus SUV enters showrooms.

"I have been responsible for Lamborghini for a significant period of time in its history, he said, "and I would like to thank everyone for this time from the bottom of my heart."

For Domenicali, the significance of his appointment won't be lost on him: this year would have been Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday.

Related: Lamborghini lifts wraps from Aventador SV

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Jim McGill