Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis unveils the Charger Daytona SRT electric muscle car in Pontiac, Michigan, August 17, 2022.
Michael Wayland/CNBC
Detroit – known excellent CNBC has learned that CEO Tim Kuniskis will return to the automaker immediately.
Kuniskis, who retired from… The automaker in Maywill once again lead the company's Ram Trucks brand, according to two people familiar with the decision. The company's leadership team alerted employees about the decision earlier Monday, said the people, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss the move.
His return comes about a week later Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares He unexpectedly resigned from the automaker after problems with the North American market.
“Today's changes will enable us to operate in a structure that will deliver the best results for the region, unlock great potential and win in the market. The key lever for the Ram brand is for its CEO to be singularly focused on that brand.” The company said in an emailed statement confirming the appointment.
Kuniskis, who oversaw several of the automaker's brands in North America, led the company's Ram and Dodge brands before his retirement.
Kuniskis is arguably best known for driving a Dodge for most of the last decade or so. he He is considered “father” Of the high-performance Dodge Hellcat models and “unofficial spokesman” For American muscle cars.
During his tenure, Dodge re-established its position as an exemplary model American muscle car brand. The brand did this with vehicles like the controversial 700-plus-horsepower Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. Challenger Demon Drag racing cars. He also introduced the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX pickup truck.
Kuniskis' return was announced alongside several other changes to the automaker's North American operations. Chris Fewell, who previously led the Ram and Chrysler brands, will now oversee Chrysler and Alfa Romeo; Jeff Komor will lead sales in North America only; Larry Dominick, who has been driving for Alfa Romeo in North America, will leave.
Stellantis sales in the United States He struggled under Tavares Leadership, despite increases in the overall market. This includes a 17% year-over-year decline for the company during the third quarter, including a 24% decline in Ram sales.
