Aston Martin CEO resigns following clash with Lawrence Stroll – UPDATE: Official

4 May 2022, 4pm: Following earlier reports, Aston Martin has confirmed CEO Tobias Moers will depart the company, with Amedeo Felisa – formerly CEO of Ferrari, and currently an Aston Martin executive – to take his place from 1 June 2022.

"Amedeo will focus on delivering the Company's continued strategic objectives, financial targets and roadmap towards electrification. To meet these goals, Amedeo is to implement and lead a new organisational structure with a focus on broadening the technical team through the promotion of internal talent together with added expertise of strategic external hires, identified and set to be announced in the coming weeks," Aston Martin said in a statement.

Alongside Felisa's appointment, Roberto Fedeli – who formerly held roles at Ferrari and BMW, and "considered the creator of Ferrari LaFerrari" – will become Chief Technical Officer to "deliver next-generation sports cars, and lead the way to electrification."

"Firstly, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for all that Tobias has achieved. He joined Aston Martin at a critical time for the Company and brought significant discipline to its operations. The benefit of these actions is clear in the improved operating performance of the Company and in our great new product launches," Aston Martin Lagonda executive chairman Lawrence Stroll said in a statement.

"There is a need for the business to enter a new phase of growth with a new leadership team and structure to ensure we deliver on our goals. Our new organisational framework will support the Company to ... foster greater collaboration... especially with our strategic partners, including Mercedes-Benz AG, and further accelerate technology transfer programmes with the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team."

"I am extremely pleased that Amedeo has agreed to take on the role of CEO. He has extensive knowledge of both Aston Martin's business and the wider automotive industry with an excellent track record and previous experience of leading a major ultra-luxury car manufacturer."

Felisa added: "It is very exciting for me to take on this role at Aston Martin as we embark on the Company's next phase of growth. I have great confidence in Lawrence's vision, and I'm grateful for his, and the Board's, trust in my leadership."

Our original story continues below.

4 May 2022, 2:40pm: Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers may have quietly stepped down from the top job amid an internal power struggle, according to a report from Autocar.

Citing sources close to the company, the outlet claims the former head of Mercedes-AMG clashed with executive chairman Lawrence Stroll over the company’s direction.

The duo allegedly disagreed on how Aston Martin should align itself with part-owner and technology provider Mercedes-Benz.

While Mr Moers wanted to strengthen ties with the German car giant, Stroll is said to be eyeing ex-Ferrari talent to develop cars in Italy.

Former Ferrari technical director Roberto Fedeli is tipped to take over as CEO from July, after wrapping up commitments with Chinese car start-up Silk-FAW.

When asked if Tobias Moers is still the CEO of Aston Martin, a spokesperson for the marque told Drive: “We cannot comment on speculation.”

Aston Martin is due to hold an earnings conference with investors at 4pm (AEST) today, and it’s possible more information will be announced then.

Moers was installed as CEO of the premium British brand in 2020, following the collapse of several projects and departure of controversial head Andy Palmer.

During the two-year tenure he has overseen the rollout of the Aston Martin DBX SUV and Valkyrie hypercar, as well as a Mercedes-AMG-powered redesign of the Valhalla supercar.

Under Moers’ leadership Aston Martin has also entered the pinnacle of motorsport through an official Formula One licensing deal – though this was enabled through Lawrence Stroll and his ownership of the former Racing Point (or Force India) team.

This story is developing, and will be updated when more information becomes available.