Ferrari's marketing chief has driven off into the sunset after 16 years, just weeks after the supercar maker's first-ever electric vehicle, the Luce, was met with a reception that can generously be described as 'needing some work.'

Enrico Galliera, the company's chief marketing and commercial officer, is leaving his post, with former BMW Italy head Massimiliano Di Silvestre sliding into the driver's seat in July. Ferrari thanked Galliera for his service, noting he had 'decided to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey - a decision shared with the company some time ago.'

The Luce, unveiled in May, was heavily criticized, spawning internet memes and negative reactions. Its design, courtesy of iPhone designer Sir Jony Ive, drew fire from Italy's deputy prime minister and transport minister Matteo Salvini, who is also a former Ferrari chairman. Ferrari's shares dropped 8% the day after the Luce was revealed. Notably, Ferrari's statement about Galliera's departure made no mention of the EV launch.

CEO Benedetto Vigna praised Galliera for playing 'a significant role in the company's growth and in strengthening the Ferrari brand worldwide.' Galliera's role included the delicate task of deciding which clients got to buy the automaker's highly sought-after vehicles. He declined to comment beyond the company statement.

Galliera had been in the role since 2010, overseeing key events like the 2013 launch of the LaFerrari, Ferrari's first production hybrid hypercar, and the company's 2015 listing on the New York Stock Exchange and Milan exchange the following year. But the $640,000 Luce proved a tougher sell.