The Fiat board has today confirmed Allessandro Barberis as its new chief executive to replace Gabriele Galateri. The appointment of Mr Barberis came at the end of a tense meeting which formed a showdown between the Government/Mediobanco/Agnelli family axis which is determined to keep Fiat in Italian hands, and the creditor banks which are keen to go ahead with the agreed restructuring plan - which includes 8,000 lay-offs.