Maria Grazia Davino: From Lamborghini Roots to BYD Leadership — A Story of Ambition and Bold Decisions
A determined trailblazer redefining the European auto market, despite challenges and shake-ups.
Introduction
Maria Grazia Davino has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the European automotive industry. With a compelling mix of academic insight and real-world grit, her journey spans from luxury brands like Lamborghini to leading strategic transformations at Stellantis and now BYD Europe. Her story is one of resilience, intelligence, and fearless leadership in an industry often dominated by tradition and male executives.
As she continues to break barriers and reshape mobility across Europe, Davino’s rise reflects both her personal vision and a broader shift in automotive leadership. From southern Italy to the boardrooms of global auto giants, she exemplifies the power of adaptive strategy and decisive action.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Grazia Davino |
| Birth Year | April 1978 |
| Birthplace | Naples, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Education | University of Salerno, Profingest Business School |
| Current Role | SVP & Regional Managing Director, BYD Europe |
| Known For | Stellantis UK MD, FCA Europe leadership |
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Academic Roots in Philosophy and Finance
Born in Naples in 1978, Maria Grazia Davino‘s foundation in education is as unique as her career path. She studied Philosophy and Enterprise Communication at the University of Salerno—an unusual choice for a future automotive executive. This philosophical background helped develop her analytical thinking and strategic communication skills.
Later, she completed a Master’s in Finance Control at the prestigious Profingest Business School in Bologna. This advanced training provided her with the financial acumen needed to thrive in high-stakes corporate roles, making her a rare blend of soft skills and hard metrics.
Career Beginnings at Lamborghini
From PhD Research to the Automotive World
While pursuing a PhD in Semiotics at Bauhaus University, Davino entered the automotive world through Lamborghini. Though she did not complete the PhD, her analytical insights led to a position as a Product Manager at Lamborghini. Soon after, she became the Personal Assistant to then-CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
This close role to leadership gave her deep insights into executive decision-making and product strategy, shaping her future leadership style and preparing her for broader responsibilities in the automotive field.
Climbing the Ranks at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
Rapid Rise Through Europe
Davino joined FCA in 2011 and quickly assumed high-responsibility roles across Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. Her ability to adapt to different markets and lead cross-cultural teams was quickly recognized. She became known for her sharp operational execution and people-centered leadership style.
In 2017, her influence was acknowledged industry-wide when she was named one of Automotive News Europe’s Rising Stars—proof of her growing impact in the sector.
Strategic Leadership at Stellantis
Transforming Sales and Leading UK Operations
Following FCA’s merger with PSA to form Stellantis, Davino was elevated to Head of Sales and Marketing for the Enlarged Europe region. One of her standout achievements was leading the transformation of Stellantis’s retail model, implementing agency-based systems across major European markets.
In September 2023, she was appointed Managing Director of Stellantis UK. During her tenure, she didn’t shy away from tough conversations. She publicly warned that UK production facilities, including those for Vauxhall, were at risk due to unclear EV-related regulations. Her departure from the role in October 2024 was sudden but marked the end of a bold and outspoken chapter.
A New Chapter at BYD Europe
Driving Chinese EV Expansion in Central Europe
In December 2024, Davino took on a new challenge: Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director at BYD Europe, one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle brands. She now oversees operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, and other key markets.
Her mission is clear—accelerate BYD’s footprint in the European EV sector through localized strategy, operational efficiency, and cultural integration. Her experience at FCA and Stellantis makes her the ideal figure to bridge Eastern innovation with Western market dynamics.
Leadership Style and Industry Influence
Bold, Visionary, and Unafraid of Change
What sets Davino apart is her willingness to make bold decisions and challenge the status quo. Whether it’s advocating for structural reforms or calling out regulatory gaps, she believes in confronting issues head-on. Her career is a case study in how visionary leadership, combined with cultural adaptability, can reshape entire industries.
Conclusion
Maria Grazia Davino represents a rare kind of executive—equally at home in the boardroom and on the ground, leading teams through disruption and innovation. From her roots in philosophy to the highest levels of automotive strategy, her journey is a testament to intellectual depth, operational excellence, and courage under pressure.
As she now leads BYD’s European expansion, the industry watches closely. Whatever her next chapter holds, Davino’s legacy is already cemented as one of Europe’s most transformative automotive leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Maria Grazia Davino?
Maria Grazia Davino is an Italian automotive executive currently serving as SVP and Regional Managing Director for BYD Europe. She previously held leadership roles at FCA and Stellantis UK.
What is Maria Grazia Davino’s educational background?
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Enterprise Communications from the University of Salerno and a Master’s in Finance Control from Profingest Business School in Bologna.
What companies has she worked for?
Davino has worked at Lamborghini, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Stellantis, and currently at BYD.
When did she join BYD?
She officially joined BYD as of December 1, 2024, leading their Central European operations.
What makes her leadership style unique?
Her approach blends analytical thinking with bold decision-making. She’s known for her strategic insight, public advocacy, and ability to implement complex transformations across multinational markets.
