FCA Names New CEO in Australia

Fiat Chrysler Australia names Pat Dougherty, a 31-year veteran with the company, its new president and CEO effective Dec. 1.

Dougherty replaces Veronica Johns, who resigned earlier this week saying she could no longer fulfil the role in the capacity that it deserves for personal reasons. She leaves the company Dec. 31, after 16 years.

FCA Australia Corporate Vice President and Asia Pacific Operations General Manager John Kett says Johns’ tenure as CEO of the Australian business was remarkably successful and that her achievements should be celebrated.

“Johns carved out a highly rewarding career at FCA, commencing with the company as personal assistant to the finance director and finishing as the first Australian female to head an automotive company,” Kett says in a statement.

She won the job in May 2013.

Under Johns’ leadership, Kett says, FCA became Australia’s fastest-growing automotive company. During her tenure, Fiat sales more than doubled, while Alfa Romeo deliveries rose more than 30% and Jeep volume jumped more than 40%.

“The massive sales and brand successes that we have achieved over the last four years has been a collaborative effort and everyone should be proud to have contributed to this significant chapter in the company’s history,” Johns says.

Dougherty currently is vice president of Mopar, FCA’s parts and service division. His role also includes the management of service, parts and customer care across more than 2,500 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealerships.

Johns is the second senior executive to depart FCA Australia in a week, with corporate affairs director Karla Leach exiting two days earlier.