Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of the Pininfarina Group, has died aged 65.
Paolo took on the role of chairman of the Group in 2008. Although best known for its work in the automotive industry, Pininfarina is also known for its work in other sectors including marine, collaborating with several major boatbuilders including Princess Yachts and Beneteau.
The studio is known for projects such as the Beneteau 45F5, which introduced a new aesthetic to sailboat design in 1990 and the Princess R Class performance sports yacht in 2018.
The exteriors of the yacht were designed by Pininfarina inspired by the attention for aerodynamics of its founder, Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina and based on pure and elegant lines for speed and performance.
At the time, Pininfarina stated “Princess and Pininfarina share common values as the continuous search for beauty and innovation.”
Pininfarina and Princess continued their collaboration with larger models including the X95 yacht, a new concept with its large living spaces and innovative architecture.
Other marine projects the Group has been involved in include Destriero, the record-breaking motor yacht launched by Fincantieri; the Primatist G46 Aerotop sports cruiser for Bruno Abbate; and the Magnum 80.
The firm has also partnered with studios and shipyards such as Oceanco, Rossinavi, Abeking & Rasmussen, and Fulvio De Simoni.
“On behalf of the board of directors, the board of statutory auditors, and all Pininfarina employees, I express deep sorrow and condolences for the loss of our dear chairman,” said Pininfarina’s CEO, Silvio Angori in a statement “We are all extremely grateful to Eng. Pininfarina for his extraordinary contribution to the company and for always passionately advocating for our history and corporate identity both in terms of style and ethical and behavioural choices.”
Silvio continued: “I am personally grateful to him for confirming me in the leadership of the company following the passing of Andrea Pininfarina in 2008.
“Over these years, we have shared many triumphs and challenges, always advising and supporting each other.
“The best way to honour his memory is to continue, as he would want, to commit ourselves to the future of Pininfarina.”
