Mr Lewis is a highly regarded and experienced media and automotive media professional. He joins Ferrari from Mercedes-Benz Australia, where he was media relations and product communications manager for almost four years.

He was previously with publishing company Bauer for five years, including as digital editor for Wheels and WhichCar.

Mr Lewis said his time at Mercedes had been “an absolute pleasure” and was “every bit as inspiring, rewarding, challenging and fulfilling as I had hoped it would be”.

He acknowledged his immediate team at Mercedes-Benz “for the legendary camaraderie that has made each day so enjoyable”.

“To Matthew Pasiopoulos and Nadine Young, two individuals of the highest quality personally and professionally, I’m sincerely grateful to know you and have worked with you.

“In addition to that, a particular note of thanks to Jerry Stamoulis. Our working relationship has been nothing short of ideal, and it was a privilege to benefit from that trust.

“I’m proud of what we achieved and I know the wisdom imparted will stay with me.”

Mr Lewis’s appointment at Ferrari will mean a relocation from Melbourne to his hometown of Sydney, reuniting him with family.

Mr Lewis is to be replaced at Mercedes-Benz by Orlando Rodriquez, formerly at Toyota Motor Company Australia.

By Neil Dowling