Ducati chief to headline North East STEM Foundation fundraiser in Seaham
The managing director of Ducati UK is set to bring a touch of Italian engineering flair to Seaham when he appears at the North East STEM Foundation’s (NESF) annual Black Tie Charity Dinner.
Fabrizio Cazzoli, who heads the UK arm of the world-famous motorcycle brand, will be a special guest speaker at the event on Friday, October 10, at Dalton Old Pump House.
He will join headline speaker, Liverpool and England football legend John Barnes MBE, in helping raise funds to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education across the region.
Cazzoli, himself a mechanical engineer, said: “I’m honoured to be invited to support the work of the North East STEM Foundation and to share Ducati’s story. STEM is at the heart of everything we do at Ducati, from design and innovation to performance and sustainability.
"It will be a privilege to talk about this focus.”
Based in Bologna, Italy, Ducati is globally recognised for speed, style and cutting-edge engineering, from its pioneering desmodromic valve system and high-performance 90º V-twin engines to advanced electronics and the transfer of race technology into production bikes.
The company has also forged strong partnerships with universities in Italy to promote STEM and is now extending that commitment in the UK.
Tania Cooper MBE, chair of NESF, said the charity was delighted to welcome such a high-profile business leader: “We are thrilled to welcome Fabrizio to our charity dinner.
"Ducati is a brand synonymous with engineering and design excellence, and its work in championing the next generation of innovators perfectly reflects our mission here in the North East.”
The dinner is one of the highlights of the NESF calendar, bringing together business leaders, educators and supporters.
Funds raised go towards outreach initiatives, removing financial barriers, and creating opportunities that inspire young people to connect STEM with real-world careers.