Renowned Leader’s Legacy Lives On in the World of Automotive Design
Paolo Pininfarina, the esteemed chairman of the Pininfarina Group, breathed his last yesterday at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. Born in Turin on August 28, 1958, Paolo was a mechanical engineering graduate from the Polytechnic University of Turin. His journey in the automotive world began with Cadillac, Honda, and General Motors, before he embarked on his illustrious career at Pininfarina in 1982.
Paolo’s significant contributions to the Pininfarina Group included his role as president and CEO of Pininfarina Extra SpA, a subsidiary specializing in industrial design, furniture, architecture, nautical, and aeronautical design. He ascended to the position of chairman in 2008, following the untimely demise of his brother, Andrea.
One of Paolo’s proudest achievements was overseeing the creation of two iconic vehicles: the Sergio concept car, a tribute to his father, Sergio Pininfarina, and the Automobili Pininfarina Battista, an electric hypercar unveiled by Paolo himself at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019.
Paolo’s remarkable career spanned decades, during which he established himself as a prominent figure in both Italian and international design and automotive circles. His unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence left an indelible mark on the industry, inspiring generations of designers and enthusiasts alike.
Pininfarina Group mourns the loss of Paolo Pininfarina, remembering his contributions to the company’s diversification and success. Silvio Angori, Pininfarina’s CEO, expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the board of directors, the board of statutory auditors, and all employees.
Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, which acquired Pininfarina in December 2015, also extended condolences, acknowledging Paolo’s significant impact on the automotive design world.
