Stellantis has reshuffled its top executive team on the operational and brand level, with the changes being led by new responsibilities for Chief Technology Officer Ned Curic, who becomes chief engineering and technology officer, with responsibility for research and development.
Curic, who started his stint at Stellantis in August 2021, will replace engineering chief Harald Wester, who is retiring, the automaker said Tuesday.
Wester, 65, started his career at Volkswagen in 1991. He later worked at Audi until 1999, when he joined Ferrari. In 2002 he became an executive at Magna Steyr, and moved to Fiat in 2004, becoming group CTO in 2007. He then became CEO of Alfa Romeo, CEO of Abarth and CEO of Maserati, in addition to his overall technology responsibilities. Wester became head of Stellantis engineering when the company was created in 2021.
The company also appointed Beatrice Foucher, currently DS Automobiles CEO, as chief planning officer, replacing Olivier Bourges.
"These changes demonstrate that the diversity of talent and experience inside Stellantis' top executive team make it possible to adapt our leadership team to address the challenging business environment," said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.
Other changes include Olivier Bourges, currently chief planning officer, appointed global corporate office and public affairs officer. Silvia Vernetti, currently head of the global corporate office, is appointed head of the global corporate planning.
On the brand level, Fiat CEO Olivier Francois adds responsibility for the DS Automobiles brand.
Timothy Kuniskis, currently Dodge brand CEO, also becomes CEO of the Ram truck brand. Mike Koval, currently Ram CEO, becomes head of the Mopar parts division for North America.
Stellantis, which is home to 14 brands, including Opel, Jeep, Ram and Maserati, was forged from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot-owner PSA in January 2021.
Reuters contributed to this report
