Chrysler appoints new heads of Alfa Romeo and Ram

Mon, 18 Aug 2014

Chrysler has announced to two key appointments to its senior leadership, both of them taking immediate effect. First up is Reid Bigland, who has been named head of the Alfa Romeo brand for North America. Bigland has served until now as head of the Ram Truck brand, a portfolio he now hands over to Robert Hegbloom, who had served until now as its director.

As a result of the appointments, both Bigland and Hegbloom will take up seats on Chrysler's NAFTA Leadership Team, and Bigland will also join the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council – the highest decision-making body in the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles empire.

As per Sergio Marchionne's leadership style, Bigland will continue to serve in two major capacities, maintaining his role as president and CEO of Chrysler Canada. Other senior executives who hold multiple key portfolios include Harald Wester (who serves as the group's Chief Technology Officer and also overseas Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Abarth), Olivier Francois (group Chief Marketing Officer and head of the Fiat brand) and Michael Manley (head of the Asia-Pacific region and the Jeep brand).

Chrysler Group Announces Executive Appointments

August 18, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC today announced that Reid Bigland is appointed Head of Alfa Romeo Brand for the NAFTA region. Bigland continues as Head of U.S. Sales and as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chrysler Canada. He will also continue as a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team and the Fiat Chrysler Group Executive Council (GEC).

In addition, Robert Hegbloom is appointed Head of Ram Truck Brand. In his new role, Hegbloom will become a member of the NAFTA Leadership Team. Both appointments are effective immediately.

"I am delighted to be able to announce these appointments. Reid has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in managing Chrysler's consistent rise in sales and market share in both Canada and the U.S.," said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat S.p.A. "The addition of Alfa Romeo to his portfolio of responsibilities is an indication of how committed we are to the establishment of this brand in the North American market, a process that has already started with the introduction of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Much more is expected from this brand in the next few years as outlined in our five-year plan presented on May 6, 2014, and Reid's seniority and experience are ideal for the significant task that is now getting underway.

"Reid has been working intensely with Bob in the establishment of the Ram Truck Brand after separation from Dodge, and it is appropriate that Bob now be given the opportunity to continue and intensify the work started by Reid.

"These appointments are a clear reflection of the value we at Chrysler place on people development and the nurturing of leadership skills. Both Reid and Bob have grown tremendously as leaders in the last five years, and the time has come for them to have expanded leadership roles."

Hegbloom previously served as the Director of Ram Truck Brand. He has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility supporting the Company's truck brand. Hegbloom joined Chrysler in 1986.

About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., designs, engineers, manufactures, distributes and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, and the SRT performance vehicle designation. The Company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C and Mopar products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899. Chrysler Group became a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiat on Jan. 21, 2014.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, Dodge Challenger and Viper SRT, Ram 1500 and Fiat 500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

By Noah Joseph