Audi pays tribute to Italian CEO who died in mountain accident

MILAN (Reuters) – Audi has paid tribute to one of its executives who died in a mountain accident in Italy over the weekend, recognizing his contribution to the carmaker over a decade.

Fabrizio Longo, managing director of Audi in Italy, died when he fell 10,000 feet (3,050 meters) during a hike in the northeastern Italian region of Trentino. At 62, Longo was an experienced mountain climber.

A spokesman for the Volkswagen Group brand on Tuesday described Longo as a person of “great integrity, culture, competence and sensitivity”.

“Fabrizio Longo has led the Audi brand in Italy with great success since 2013, confirming the brand’s leading position in the premium segment for 11 consecutive years,” the spokesman said, quoting a company statement.

Longo, an automotive industry veteran, joined Audi after holding positions at Fiat and Lancia.

Several automotive executives paid tribute to Longo, including Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

“We will miss you, Fabrizio. Farewell, my friend,” Winkelmann said on Linkedin.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo, who previously worked at both Fiat and Volkswagen, said Longo was a man he was proud to call a friend and that he learned of his death with “infinite sadness”.

“You left us while you were pursuing your great passion,” de Meo said on Linkedin.

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari; Editing by Keith Weir)