Chrysler Splits Dodge Brand Into Two
October 5, 2009 by Mark Ellis
Filed under Business
Chrysler’s management team announced a shakeup on Monday as two recently appointed CEOs have left the company. Fiat Group SpA CEO Sergio Marchionne, who took over control of Chrysler in June, also announced that they are splitting the Dodge brand into two groups — cars and trucks.
Image: Dodge
Peter Fong, president and CEO of the Chrysler brand and Michael Accavitti, president and CEO of the Dodge brand have both abruptly left the company. Fong left for personal reasons, while Accavitti left to pursue other interests, according to a Chrysler statement. Sales of Chrysler Group LLC vehicles (Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands) have declined 39% in the first nine months of 2009. Though it was not disclosed if the CEOs’ departures were related to lack of sales.
With Dodge splitting into two distinct groups, Fred Diaz Jr., who most recently ran the Denver business center, will head the truck group and take over as lead sales executive. Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Design, will take over the Dodge car brand in addition to his current duties.
