Informed sources say that brilliant engineer and Ducati's Company Manager, Massimo Bordi, has left Ducati. 

There is a press release being drafted in Italy now and should be out in a few hours. Bordi's future plans are unknown. 

Bordi was one of the final hold-outs from the old Castiglioni Ducati company, and was known to be frustrated working within the new Ducati company. 

Bordi has been rumored to be leaving Ducati for the last three months, and Ducati put out a media alert in October denying that he was leaving. That denial contained no quotes from Bordi, which was unusual. 

Many persons intimate with the inner workings of Ducati say that Bordi wanted to run the company, but TPG put Federico Minoli in charge; and then, when Minoli stepped away to run Ducati.com, Minoli's man, Carlo Di Biagio got the CEO position. Bordi remained as general manager.

Bordi has many motorcycle company CEO qualities: he's an excellent manager, is charismatic and understands how motorcycles work--not just what sells. Yet, one of the reasons some saw in why Bordi was not promoted is that he speaks little English, or at least does so uncomfortably. He gave a speech in English at WDW last summer that many had a hard time understanding.

Bordi made countless significant contributions to Ducati, including developing the four valve engine, and helping to design the 916, among many, many others. 

Bordi left to Ducati, reportedly, to explore other career opportunities. What that means is unknown for now. 

ENDS

Oct 19: Ducati says Bordi not leaving