Jim Press – Chrysler ’s former co-president – might have been questioning his decision to move from Toyota to Chrysler in 2007 in recent weeks, but the automotive exec’s career is safe as Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has named Press the deputy CEO of the reborn Chrysler.
Additionally, Fiat has announced quite a shakeup in the Chrysler management structure. Steve Landry – Chrysler’s head of sales and service – and Frank Klegon – Chrysler’s head of product development – are out and a whole new management system is in.
Under the old Chrysler , the automaker’s three brands – Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep – were all vertically integrated. However, Fiat has now separate all parts of Chrysler—including its Mopar parts division – with executives heading up each division. The new setup largely mirrors Fiat’s management style with its Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands.
Under the new system, Peter Fong will be the CEO of the Chrysler brand. Fong was previously director of Chrysler’s Mid-Atlantic Business Center, according to Automotive News.
Michael Manley, Chrysler’s former executive vice president of international sales, has been named CEO of the Jeep brand.
Chrysler brand marketing boss Michael Accavitti will head up the automaker’s Dodge division.
Lastly, Pietro Gorlier will act as president and CEO of Mopar Service and Parts and Customer Services. Gorlier is the only outsider heading up a Chrysler division, coming from Fiat and Case New Holland.
Effective immediately, the newly appointed CEOs will be responsible for the profits and losses of their respective divisions.
