Tim Kuniskis returns to Stellantis as Ram CEO after retirement, signaling strategic changes during Stellantis' transitional leadership phase.
Tim Kuniskis, a key figure in shaping Stellantis' U.S. brand strategy and known for championing horsepower-driven performance, has rejoined the automaker as CEO of Ram. This marks his return just months after retiring in May 2024 following a 30-year career with Stellantis’ North American portfolio.
Kuniskis’ comeback comes at a pivotal moment for Stellantis, following the recent resignation of CEO Carlos Tavares amid sales challenges and reported board conflicts. Stellantis announced that John Elkann, chairman and a member of the influential Agnelli family, will act as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named in 2025. Elkann's leadership aims to stabilize the automaker during this transitional period.
Kuniskis previously served as CEO of both Dodge and Ram, leaving an indelible mark on the brands. Under his leadership, Dodge became synonymous with high-performance vehicles like the Challenger and Charger Hellcat, while Ram saw significant market growth in the competitive truck segment. His return is seen as a move to bring Ram its own dedicated leadership, a sentiment echoed by a Stellantis spokesperson.
Following Kuniskis' initial retirement, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell took over responsibility for both Chrysler and Ram, while Matt McAlear, Dodge’s former sales chief, assumed leadership of Dodge. Kuniskis' reinstatement at Ram not only reinstates brand-specific focus but also signals Stellantis' commitment to reinvigorating the truck brand amid industry shifts.
Kuniskis' deep understanding of the Stellantis portfolio and his proven track record in product and brand innovation are expected to bolster Ram's position in the market. This leadership change underscores Stellantis' strategy to navigate a challenging period while preparing for a new CEO to lead the company into 2025.
