Chrysler creates Ram brand; designer Gilles leads Dodge cars
CEO Sergio Marchionne shook up Chrysler Group's management for the second time since taking control of the company, creating a Dodge Ram truck brand and replacing two of the division chiefs he appointed in June.
Under the overhaul announced today, the heads of Dodge and Chrysler have left the company. Another executive, newly appointed Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois, adds to a growing list of Fiat executives taking positions with the U.S. automaker.
Among the changes:
• Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's chief of design, becomes president and CEO of the Dodge car brand. Michael Accavitti, who had steered the Dodge brand, has “resigned to pursue other interests,” the company said in a statement. Gilles, 39, will remain in charge of design.
• Fred Diaz is president and CEO of the Dodge Ram brand. He had previously led Chrysler's Denver business center,
• Francois is now president and CEO of the Chrysler brand. He replaces Peter Fong, who resigned for personal reasons, the company said. Francois retains his title as head of Fiat's Lancia brand.
Automotive News Data Center
Under the overhaul announced today, the heads of Dodge and Chrysler have left the company. Another executive, newly appointed Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois, adds to a growing list of Fiat executives taking positions with the U.S. automaker.
Among the changes:
• Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's chief of design, becomes president and CEO of the Dodge car brand. Michael Accavitti, who had steered the Dodge brand, has “resigned to pursue other interests,” the company said in a statement. Gilles, 39, will remain in charge of design.
• Fred Diaz is president and CEO of the Dodge Ram brand. He had previously led Chrysler's Denver business center,
• Francois is now president and CEO of the Chrysler brand. He replaces Peter Fong, who resigned for personal reasons, the company said. Francois retains his title as head of Fiat's Lancia brand.
Automotive News Data Center
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