Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis unveils the Charger Daytona SRT concept electric muscle car on August 17, 2022 in Pontiac, Michigan.
Michael Weiland/CNBC
Detroit – as we all know star Executive Tim Kuniskis will return to the automaker effective immediately, CNBC has learned.
Kuniskis retired from Automakers in Maywill once again lead the company’s Ram Trucks brand, according to two people familiar with the matter. The company’s leadership team warned employees about the decision earlier Monday, said the people, who agreed to anonymity to discuss the move.
He returns in about a week Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares He unexpectedly resigned from the automaker amid problems in the North American market.
“Today’s changes will allow us to operate within a structure that delivers the best results for the region, unlocking significant potential and winning markets. A major lever for the Ram brand is to have its CEO focus on the brand,” the the company said in an emailed statement confirming the appointment.
Kuniskis oversaw several of the automaker’s brands in North America and led the company’s Ram and Dodge brands before retiring.
Kuniskis is arguably best known for leading the Dodgers for much of the past decade or so. he yes considered “father” Dodge’s high-performance Hellcat models and “unofficial spokesperson” Suitable for American muscle cars.
During his tenure, Dodge re-established himself as the quintessential American muscle car brand. The brand does this with models like the 700-plus-hp Challenger and Charger Hellcat, as well as controversial models. Challenger Demon Drag racing. He also unveiled the Hellcat-powered Ram TRX pickup truck.
Kuniskis’ return was announced alongside several other changes to the automaker’s North American operations. Chris Feuell, who previously led the Ram and Chrysler brands, will now be responsible for Chrysler and Alfa Romeo; Jeff Kommor will lead North American sales alone; Larry Dominik, who led Alfa Romeo to North America, will also leave.
Stellantis sales in the United States Struggled under Tavares Although the overall market has grown, it still leads the way. That includes a 17% year-over-year decline in the company’s third quarter, including a 24% drop in Ram sales.
