Tim Kuniskis Returns to Lead RAM

In the wake of Carlos Tavares’ resignation as CEO of Stellantis, Tim Kuniskis who retired as head of the Dodge and RAM brands back on June 1 of this year, has returned to lead the RAM Trucks division.

He takes over from Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell, who had added the RAM role to her business card when Kuniskis retired.

With Kuniskis back to oversee RAM, Feuell will instead assume leadership of Alfa Romeo’s North America operation, which means that Larry Dominique, the man in that role since 2021, is out.

Stellantis’ board of directors formed a committee to find Carlos Tavares’ replacement, led by board chairman John Elkann, though no replacement is expected until the middle of next year. Stellantis has seen falling sales and reduced profits across its many brands this year. Through the end of the third quarter, Stellantis’ U.S. sales are down 17 percent from last year, with RAM sales fairing even worse, down nearly 25 percent.

In his prior role as head of Dodge and RAM, Kuniskis championed Hellcat-powered passenger cars, and he was a well-liked executive. “Tim has the ability to transcend and make an impact across all brands even if he’s focusing on one or two of them, as he’s done in the past,” Michael Bettenhausen, incoming chairman of Stellantis’ USA dealer council, told Automotive News. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, and I think everyone in the company at some point of time has leaned on Tim for guidance and advice. You just can’t get those 32 years of sales and marketing experience he has and let it sit idle.”