Ducati Names New CEO

Volkswagen AG's Ducati motorcycle unit has promoted General Manager Claudio Domenicali to CEO, effective immediately.

He succeeds Gabriele Del Torchio, who has left to head struggling Italian airline Alitalia.

Since joining Bologna, Italy-based Ducati in 1991, Domenicali has headed the company's R&D unit and its racing operations, where he helped guide the brand to numerous World Superbike championships.

Domenicali also is credited with helping bring to market such vehicles as the Supermono single-cylinder race bike. As general manager since 2009, he has been responsible for operations and product development.

Domenicali studied mechanical engineering degree from the University of Bologna.