Alfa Romeo CEO, Antonio Baravalle is stepping down as CEO of Alfa Romeo, Fiat’s premium sports car division. Baravalle, 42, will be leaving the auto industry after eight-years to join Einaudi, a publishing company of Italy’s Mondadori media group.

Fiat has declined to comment on the situation but sources familiar with the matter told Automotive News Europe that Baravalle is leaving at his own request.

Baravalle joined Fiat in 1999 and held a number of marketing positions before being appointed head of marketing for Alfa Romeo in 2003. In September 2005, Baravalle was promoted to the CEO of Alfa Romeo.

Baravalle’s successor has yet to be named.