New York, N.Y. — Following a week of transition at the helm of Stellantis, new CEO Antonio Filosa has made a significant leadership change by promoting Tim Kuniskis to oversee all American brands and lead marketing and retail strategies in North America. Kuniskis, who continues in his role as CEO of Ram, is now tasked with a more expansive role within the company’s U.S. operations.
Kuniskis’s return to Stellantis marks a notable chapter after taking a brief hiatus from the automotive industry. He rejoined the company late last year after the unexpected resignation of the former CEO, Carlos Tavares. His new responsibilities come at a critical time when the company is focusing on revitalizing its brand presence in a competitive market.
In an effort to enhance performance and innovation, Kuniskis will also oversee the reestablishment of the Street and Racing Technology division. This revamped SRT division will bring together engineering teams from Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler, targeting the development of high-performance vehicles and motorsport initiatives. “SRT is another box we needed to check,” Kuniskis stated, conveying a sense of enthusiasm about reuniting the team.
As part of a strategic plan to combat declining sales, Kuniskis is leading a significant product launch initiative at Ram. The brand aims to introduce 25 new products over the next 18 months, injecting fresh energy into its lineup. A highlight of this effort is the anticipated return of the popular V-8 Hemi engines for the Ram 1500 full-size pickup, which is expected to hit the market by early 2026.
Stellantis’s commitment to innovation and performance comes at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing dramatic shifts, with a growing emphasis on electric vehicles and sustainability. Kuniskis’s expanded role reflects not only a vote of confidence in his leadership but also the urgency to adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Experts suggest that Kuniskis’s experience and vision are critical as Stellantis positions itself to tackle future challenges while maintaining its heritage of powerful, performance-driven vehicles. As the company strives to regain momentum in its U.S. operations, industry observers will undoubtedly be watching the impact of these leadership changes and product strategies in the coming months.