Kuniskis is pictured with a Dodge Daytona.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has named a 26-year veteran of its U.S. operations to head the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands globally.
Tim Kuniskis most recently served as head of passenger car brands in North America, which includes Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and SRT. Prior to that role, he held a series of positions in the U.S. sales business centers, as well as in the Dodge and Fiat brands.
In a related move, Steve Beahm is named head of passenger car brands in North America, replacing Kuniskis. Most recently, Beahm served as head of Maserati North America, and previously lead the supply chain management group in North America. He also held a series of positions in the U.S. sales organization.
Reid Bigland, who was formerly head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands globally, will continue serving as head of U.S. Sales, as well as president and chief executive officer of FCA Canada.
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The launch of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio and the Maserati Levante complete means that the company must focus on the elements that will drive global growth for these brands, said Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer, FCA.
“As Reid has established the commercial foundation for Alfa and Maserati, today’s announcement allows Tim to dedicate his efforts solely on the next chapter of these storied brands,” Machionne says in a release. “In North America, with the execution of our industrial plan now well underway, shifting from cars to SUVs and trucks, Reid’s complete attention will be placed on accelerating sales growth in the U.S. and Canada.”
The Italian Metalworkers Federation reported that Alfa delivered a total of 150,722 cars in 2017, a 62% increase over 2016 when sales. Despite the increase, the total still did not hit the 170,000 goal that Marchionne reported was aiming for. Sales in the United States were lower than expected, even though deliveries actually jumped from just 516 in 2016 to 12,031 last year.
This is an important year for FCA as the automaker works to achieve the commitments made in our five-year business plan and to establish momentum for continued growth going forward, Marchionne says.