Tim Kuniskis, the manager maybe most influential in spreading horsepower throughout Stellantis’ U.S. manufacturers, has returned to the automaker after retiring in Could.
Kuniskis spent greater than three many years working with varied manufacturers inside Stellantis’ North American portfolio previous to retiring, most just lately serving as CEO of Dodge and Ram.
He returns to Stellantis efficient instantly, because the new CEO of Ram, an organization spokesperson instructed the Related Press on Monday, including that Stellantis needs Ram to have its personal devoted CEO.
After Kuniskis retired in Could, Stellantis appointed Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell to supervise each Chrysler and Ram, whereas Dodge management was handed to Matt McAlear, the model’s former gross sales chief.
2025 Ram 1500 RHO
Kuniskis’ return to Stellantis comes simply days after CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down amid important gross sales declines and disagreements with the board. Stellantis plans to call a brand new CEO within the first half of 2025. Within the interim, the corporate can be led by John Elkann, the present chairman and a member of the Agnelli household, whose Exor holding firm owns roughly 14.4% of Stellantis.
Gross sales of Ram pickups, Stellantis’ best-selling and most worthwhile product, have dropped practically 18% this yr as the corporate struggles with an oversupply of high-priced autos and an absence of in-demand hybrids. A lot of Stellantis’ different manufacturers face comparable challenges, with the automaker reporting a 20% drop in world deliveries for the third quarter.
Shortly after graduating with a enterprise diploma from the State College of New York, Kuniskis joined Chrysler as a trainee in 1992 and labored his manner as much as varied senior roles. Whereas he has influenced quite a few merchandise throughout his tenure, he’s finest remembered for Dodge’s Hellcat line, which started halfway final decade with the unique Challenger SRT Hellcat and Charger SRT Hellcat.