Ferrari’s best go head-to-head

The Testa Rossa name is synonymous with high performance, its heritage dating to the 250 Testa Rossa that dominated sports car racing in the 1950s. Appropriate, then, that an award recognising the best Ferrari employees in dealerships worldwide also uses the iconic name.

Established in 2017 and overseen by the Ferrari Academy, the Ferrari Testa Rossa Awards promote and reward excellence, with categories spanning technical, marketing and sales departments. Six winners each receive a trophy incorporating a Testa Rossa cam cover.

For the ninth edition, initial online assessments of over 2000 employees began in March, whittling hopefuls down to just 400, and then – following regional evaluation – the most promising 72. After the remote semi-finals, 36 finalists progressed to the three-day World Finals, held in Maranello in late October.

‘To reach Maranello is regarded as an achievement in itself because those selected are the best of the best,’ underlines Oreste Cappiello, Head of the Ferrari Academy. ‘But to win a Testa Rossa Award is to join a small and highly select group – and a recognition of those who deliver the very highest standards to Ferrari clients.’

Finalists were treated to a welcome evening dinner on arrival in Maranello, and a second day that – depending on each employee’s specialism – involved everything from technical trouble-shooting scenarios to customer-facing role plays. There was time to relax and visit local attractions too.

Museo Enzo Ferrari provided a suitably weighty backdrop for the gala dinner and awards ceremony, with tables arranged next to the current Supercars Exhibition and the successful six announced to a room collectively holding its breath. Each are profiled below…

From left to right – Top Technician, Joshua Klug; Top Service Manager, David Hannam; Top After Sales Ambassador, Anna Choi; Top Pre-Owned Manager, Pietro Antonio Fois; Top Marketing Executive, Charlotte Kubicki; Top Sales Executive, Rik Hettema

TOP TECHNICIAN – JOSHUA KLUG, FERRARI OF HOUSTON
Joshua stood out in the against-the-clock final diagnostic assessment that required deep technical knowledge and a calm problem-solving approach. ‘Fifth time’s a charm for me,’ he acknowledged of his determined pursuit of the award. ‘It’s a great honour for our dealer to have the trophy on display.’

TOP SERVICE MANAGER – DAVID HANNAM, JCT600 LEEDS
David was recognised for his leadership in a role crucial to customer satisfaction. ‘I like to think outside the box, and one of my suggestions was to take inspiration from motorsport and pair technicians up on a car.’ He added: ‘I’m exceptionally proud to be standing here today. I’ll be back next year to try to retain the title!’

TOP AFTER SALES AMBASSADOR – ANNA CHOI, FERRARI OF SEATTLE
Anna’s award reflects her strong client relationships and commitment to service. ‘When I joined, our foreman had just won the Testa Rossa Award, and I knew from that moment I wanted to be there so bad and win one of these,’ she said, beaming at the ceremony.

TOP PRE-OWNED MANAGER – PIETRO ANTONIO FOIS, MOLL SPORTWAGEN HANNOVER
Pietro was recognised for excellence in pre-owned programme management. ‘It's a huge privilege to receive such a big award, it’s been a lovely journey,’ he smiled clutching the Testa Rossa Award. ‘If I am here, it is thanks to the people who supported me, so I’d like to thank my dealership, and my wife and my daughters.’

TOP MARKETING EXECUTIVE – CHARLOTTE KUBICKI, GOHM SINGEN
Charlotte won in a demanding category that demands strategic planning, exceptional campaign delivery and clear audience insight. ‘Always trust in yourself, the things you can achieve and the knowledge you have,’ she said as she celebrated. ‘Never give up and surround yourself with people that support you. Then you can be the best of you.’

TOP SALES EXECUTIVE – RIK HETTEMA, MUNSTERHUIS SPORTSCARS
Asked to reveal the secret of his success, Top Sales Executive Rik explained: ‘I think it’s being passionate about what you do and giving that to your people, your co-workers and your customers, and then people will understand how important and special this brand is – it’s unique.’