Lola announce new key appointments

The Lola Group, a worldwide leader in engineering, design and manufacturing, has today announced two key new appointments.

Jean Marchioni has accepted the position of Lola Cars International Managing Director and starts with immediate effect. Jean is well known in the international racing community coveting important positions with top racing organizations for over 20 years. He has very recent top level experience in LMP competition as technical director with championship successes.

Jean Marchioni

Upon his appointment, Marchioni said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity of this role with one of the world’s best known motorsport constructors. I am very much looking forward to the challenge of managing Lola's motorsport programs and widening our business on the global motorsport stage."

Chartered Engineer, John Gobbi has acted as interim Managing Director of Lola Composites since January 2012, has accepted the position of Managing Director on a permanent basis. John brings to the role a wealth of experience and a proven track record in leading edge technology.

John Gobbi

Commenting on his appointment, Gobbi said: "Since January I have discovered that I will be working with a highly dedicated and innovative workforce and I am looking forward to driving the worldwide business of Lola Composites to further success in the short and long term."

Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman of the Lola Group said, “I am delighted to welcome both Jean and John to the Lola business. I am sure that their wealth of industry knowledge and experience will prove invaluable for the long-term future of Lola Group."

Jean Marchioni – Career at a glance

• Team Manager – Level 5
• Trans-Am Team Manager
• Gran-Am GT and DP Team Manager
• Champ Car/Formula Atlantic
• Ecole Elf Winfield

John Gobbi – Career at a glance

• MD of Partnertech Ltd
• ACW International, General Manager and US Project Manager
• Bookham Technology, Director
• MD of Crumax Magnetics Ltd
• Senior Business Manager of Nortel
• Operational Manager, Pirelli