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Truck load: Already in charge of Jeep worldwide and the operations of FCA subsidiaries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Mike Manley now adds global responsibility for the Ram truck brand.

FIAT Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has increased the responsibility of global Jeep boss and head of the Asia-Pacific region, Mike Manley, handing him oversight of the Ram truck brand.

Mr Manley continues to oversee Jeep worldwide and the company’s entire operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.

The British-born executive, who joined Chrysler in 2000 as network director in the UK and has climbed through the ranks to the top tier of FCA management, is positioned above Ram North America chief Bob Hegbloom, who will continue to direct the brand’s operations on a daily basis.

Mr Manley’s extra responsibility comes as part of a senior management reshuffle announced in the US this week, which has also given more responsibility to Dodge chief Tim Kuniskis.

Mr Kuniskis was appointed president and CEO of Dodge and SRT in 2013, but now takes responsibility for all passenger car brands in North America, meaning Chrysler and Fiat are added to his portfolio.

He has full responsibility for sales and marketing for the Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat brands in the region, and joins FCA’s group executive council (GEC) – the highest decision-making body within the Italian-American auto giant, led by FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne.

Mr Manley is also a member of the GEC.

Al Gardner has relinquished responsibility for Chrysler in North America but remains FCA’s head of network development for the region, reporting directly to Mr Marchionne.

Meanwhile, Jason Stoicevich has shed responsibility for Fiat in North America but takes on the role of head of fleet operations and small business sales for the US. He also maintains oversight of the California Business Centre.

Finally, North American sales boss and head of Alfa Romeo for the region, Reid Bigland, adds fleet sales to his portfolio.

Mr Manley’s addition of the Ram brand comes as Fiat Chrysler New Zealand – part of New Zealand businessman Neville Crichton’s automotive empire – prepares to introduce the big American pick-up truck to Australia and New Zealand after signing a contract with FCA earlier this year to become the official factory-appointed importer and converter.

The first vehicles were originally expected to reach the market in September, but the program has since been delayed.

Former joint-venture partner of Fiat Chrysler NZ, Clyde Campbell, is no longer involved, having stepped down earlier this year when FCA Australia took legal action against him earlier for allegedly misusing more than $30 million in company funds when head of the Australian operations between 2010 and 2013.

Mr Manley was appointed chief operating officer of the Asia-Pacific regional operations group and president and CEO of the Jeep brand globally in September 2011. He is also the lead executive for international operations for FCA North America.

He was previously executive vice-president of international sales and global product planning operations, responsible for product planning and all sales activities outside North America.

By Terry Martin

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