Manley, Kuniskis Raise Profile in FCA Reorganization

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is placing additional responsibilities on two of its top executives and shifts focus for a third, a possible sign the race to replace CEO Sergio Marchionne when he decides to step down has narrowed a bit.

Mike Manley, who has led the charge for the Jeep brand and Asia/Pacific sales, now will add the all-important Ram truck brand to his portfolio.

Manley takes over that responsibility from Reid Bigland, who swaps Ram for oversight of NAFTA Fleet. Bigland also remains responsible for NAFTA Sales and Alfa Romeo.

Timothy Kuniskis, in charge of the Dodge brand, becomes a member of the Group Executive Council and takes charge of NAFTA Passenger Car Brands, consisting of Dodge, Chrysler and Fiat.

Kuniskis assumes responsibility for the Chrysler brand from Al Gardner, who reportedly remains head of the automaker’s dealer network, and the Fiat brand from Jason Stoicevich.

Manley, Kuniskis and Bigland have been considered among a longer list of frontrunners to fill the CEO slot after Marchionne departs. Marchionne has said he wants to exit FCA after 2018, when the automaker’s current 5-year business plan will have run its course.

With the added responsibilities for Kuniskis and Manley, and broadening experience for Bigland, it appears the three executives may have pulled away from the rest of the pack.

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