After the unfortunate demise of Fabrizoo Longo, an executive at Audi and an avid mountain climber after tragically falling from Cima Payer, a 10,000-foot mountain in Northern Italy, Audi and the Italian Winter Sports Federation are in the havoc of grief. 

The 62-year-old Audi’s top executive was climbing along the route equipped with fixed steel cables, ladders, and other aids when the accident happened. He fell into a 700-foot gorge, where his body was found by the rescue officials. 

A fellow climber saw him falling into the depths who immediately alerted the emergency services. A helicopter rescue team was also deployed to locate him. 

Longo was a frequent traveler to the Adamello Highlands; he has been leading the Audi brand in Italy with enormous success since 2013. He was also well-known in the winter sports community. Audi and the Italian Winter Sports Federation were two of his long-standing collaborators. 

According to the reports, after Longo’s body is returned to his family, a burial date will be scheduled. 

Who is Fabrizio Longo? 

Longo was a prominent executive at Audi Brand in Italy. He was an experienced and passionate mountaineer and was highly regarded in the automotive industry. Before working at Audi, he had also worked for Fiat and Lancia. His leadership and contributions have significantly impacted the industry. 

He started his career at Fiat in 1987 in the marketing sector. In 2002, he took charge of the Lancia brand, and in 2012 he finally joined Audi. After working at Audi for several months, he became the director of the company’s Italian operations in 2013. 

Milestones in the Automotive Industry 

Under Longo’s exceptional leadership, Audi Italia maintained its position as a leader in the premium segment for 11 consecutive years. 

During his tenure at Audi Italia, he also worked hard to enhance the company’s marketing share and ensure customer satisfaction, contributing to the brand’s strong presence globally. 

Beyond his professional contributions, Longo was also dedicated to environmental conservation, particularly in protecting the Adamello mountains from the effects of climate change. His love for mountains reflected his spirit and dedication, which often paralleled his professional discipline. 

World Mourns Loss 

While highlighting his contributions, the company outlined that Longo was a person of great integrity, culture, capability, and sensitivity. 

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation also released a statement while mourning this painful loss. Flavio Roda, head of federation, called this accident a terrible loss for their federation, which fruitfully collaborated with Longo for many years. 

“We join the family in this moment of great pain, and with the staff of Audi Italia,” he added. 

Additionally, several fellow industry executives also came forward and paid tribute to Longo. Stephan Winkelmann, CEO at Lamborghini, said in a social media post, “We will miss you, Fabrizio. Goodbye, my friend.” 

Luca de Meo, Renault’s CEO, said Longo was a man he was proud to call his friend and that he learned about his death with “infinite sadness.”. 

“You left us while you were chasing your great passion,” he remarked.