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Reitz Replaces Stephenson as Alfa Design Boss
MILAN, Italy — Alfa Romeo has named a 40-year-old Austrian, Christopher Reitz, to replace U.S.-born Frank Stephenson as director of design, after Stephenson resigned unexpectedly.
Stephenson told AutoWeek that he initiated the move but declined to say what his next job will be.
The 49-year-old Stephenson is considered one of Europe's most influential designers, with a portfolio that includes the Mini, the BMW X5, the Maserati MC12 and Quattroporte, the Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti and the Fiat 500.
The European design community had been buzzing with rumors for months after Fiat hired Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Pininfarina's retired design director, to head all of its styling operations. Stephenson told AutoWeek: "There are no problems with Lorenzo. He is a fun guy to work with, and we worked very well together."
According to Car Design News, Reitz is a relative of Wolfgang Porsche who put in stints at Volkswagen, Audi and Nissan Europe before joining Fiat in 2005.
What this means to you: One of Europe's top designers is on the loose. Who will snap him up? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Stephenson told AutoWeek that he initiated the move but declined to say what his next job will be.
The 49-year-old Stephenson is considered one of Europe's most influential designers, with a portfolio that includes the Mini, the BMW X5, the Maserati MC12 and Quattroporte, the Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti and the Fiat 500.
The European design community had been buzzing with rumors for months after Fiat hired Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Pininfarina's retired design director, to head all of its styling operations. Stephenson told AutoWeek: "There are no problems with Lorenzo. He is a fun guy to work with, and we worked very well together."
According to Car Design News, Reitz is a relative of Wolfgang Porsche who put in stints at Volkswagen, Audi and Nissan Europe before joining Fiat in 2005.
What this means to you: One of Europe's top designers is on the loose. Who will snap him up? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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