Mike Manley, who previously headed the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Jeep and Ram brands where he is now the CEO, announced the appointment of his management team.(Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN, AFP / Getty Images)

Mike Manley, the man who replaced Sergio Marchionne this summer at the helm of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has consolidated his management team, transferring the company's veterans into new roles for key brands.

The new management plan, announced in a letter to employees on Monday, puts Tim Kuniskis, who will continue to lead Alfa Romeo, Jeep North America, Reid Bigland on Ram and Pietro Gorlier as head of European operations. Kuniskis was raised to the head of Alfa after overseeing the launch of the Dodge Demon last year. The letter did not clearly state who would be responsible for Jeep on a global scale, although Manley was at the helm of Jeep and Ram before being appointed managing director.

Michelle Krebs, Executive Analyst at Autotrader, emphasized the importance of appointments at Kuniskis and Bigland.

"The appointments of Kuniskis at Jeep and Bigland at Ram are logical and solid choices, and both brands, especially Jeep, are essential to FCA's future success," she said.

Manley gave a consistent tone in her letter, highlighting the management team's connection to the company's five-year plan unveiled in June in Italy.

"Having been deeply involved in the development of the plan, I can tell you that it was created with the certainty that we have the skills and competencies necessary to achieve our goal of becoming one of the most profitable automotive manufacturers in the world. world. "Manley said in the letter," A key part of the plan is to ensure that our management team is best aligned with our goals. "

But Manley, who was named CEO after Marchionne's sudden illness and afterwards, also acknowledged that the company would face challenges.

"The next five years will continue to be extremely difficult for our industry, with tighter regulations, intense competition and possibly slower growth in the industry worldwide. Nevertheless, with a laser-based performance and continuous flexibility that allows us to adapt to the changing situation – which has become one of our most unique characteristics and strengths – we have a clear vision of our five-year ambitions "according to the letter.

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Here is the complete list of appointments:

Pietro Gorlier, who will continue to lead Mopar on a global scale, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Gorlier, "whose father worked for Fiat in Italy, brings a deep respect and in-depth knowledge of our operations in Europe," according to the letter. Steve Beahm, who leads passenger car brands in North America, will be responsible for Mopar in North America.

Ermanno Ferrari has been appointed CEO of Magneti Marelli, where he recently headed the lighting division. Ferrari will be part of the Group Executive Council, a leading organization of the company.

Harald Wester has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Maserati and will continue as Director of Technology. "He has extensive knowledge of the premium brand market, and this appointment will also allow him to apply the most advanced technologies to our premium brands, Maserati," the letter says.

Tim Kuniskis, as head of Jeep Brand North America, "will retain his responsibilities as global leader of Alfa Romeo and apply his proven product and marketing skills to two of the most expensive brands in the industry. our five-year plan, "according to the letter.

Reid Bigland retains the management of Canadian operations and sales in the United States, but will add Ram's head to his responsibilities. When he led Ram from 2013 to 2014, the Ram brand "has seen sales growth of nearly 50%. With the new Ram Light Duty truck approaching full production and the new Ram Heavy Duty expected to hit the market in mid-2019, Reid has the right products and skills to take Ram to the next level, "says the letter.

Scott Garberding, former global quality manager, has been chosen as global manufacturing manager. "Scott has nearly 30 years of industrial experience at FCA, including leading manufacturing in North America, our global purchasing organization when he was based in Italy and, more recently, in the global quality industry. . Scott has extensive knowledge and understanding of our global manufacturing system and the people who work in our factories, "says the letter. Garberding, who will also oversee Comau and Teksid, replaces Stefan Ketter who had planned to retire.

Richard Schwarzwald became the new Global Quality Manager after leading the FCA Quality Group in Latin America. He will also be a member of the group's executive board. Mark Champine supports Quality for North America and Geraldo Barra for Latin America.

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.

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