Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis unveiled the Charger Daytona SRT concept electric muscle car on August 17, 2022 in Pontiac, Michigan.
Michael Weiland/CNBC
Detroit – as we all know star Executive Tim Kuniskis is returning to the automaker effective immediately, CNBC has learned.
Kuniskis, who retired from the automaker earlier this year, will once again lead the company’s Ram Trucks brand, according to two people familiar with the matter. The company’s leadership team informed employees of the decision earlier Monday, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
About a week ago, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares unexpectedly resigned due to problems in the North American market.
“Today’s changes will allow us to operate within a structure that can deliver the best results for the region, unlock significant potential and win in the market. A major lever for the Ram brand is to have its CEO focus on the brand,” the the company said in an emailed statement confirming the appointment.
Kunisakis oversaw several of the automaker’s brands in North America and led the company’s Ram and Dodge brands before retiring.
Kunisakis is arguably best known for leading the Dodgers for much of the past decade or so. He is considered the “father” of the Dodge high-performance Hellcat model and the “unofficial spokesman” of American muscle cars.
During his tenure, Dodge reestablished itself as the quintessential American muscle car brand. The brand’s models include the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models with more than 700 horsepower and the controversial Challenger Demon drag racer.
Kunisakis’ return was announced alongside several other changes to the automaker’s North American operations. Chris Feuell, who previously led the Ram and Chrysler brands, will now be responsible for Chrysler and Alfa Romeo; Jeff Kommor will lead North American sales alone; Larry Dominik, who led Alfa Romeo to North America, will also leave.
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