He had been with Stellantis as well as its previous incarnations of DaimlerChrysler and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles – as well as Jeep – for 20 years.
Mr Manley has been appointed CEO of America’s largest automotive retailer, Florida-based AutoNation Inc.
His position will be replaced by Mark Stewart (chief operating officer, North America) and Antonio Filosa (chief operating officer, Latin America). These two top executive team members with responsibility for the North American and Latin American regions, will report to Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.
Mr Tavares said: “It’s been my privilege to know Mike first as a competitor, then as a partner and colleague in the creation of Stellantis, but most importantly, always as a friend.
“From the very earliest days of our discussions, we shared a truly common vision, belief and commitment and it’s on these solid foundations, built over the past several years, that Stellantis has delivered its impressive early results.
“So, while I’m personally sorry to no longer have Mike as a colleague, I’m equally delighted for his new CEO role and glad that he will be joining the board of the Stellantis Foundation.”
Mr Manley said: “After 20 incredible, challenging and enjoyable years, and with Stellantis performing so strongly under Carlos’ leadership, the time feels right for me to open a new chapter.
“Working with Carlos to create this extraordinary company, with the constant support of our shareholders, has been a huge privilege both professionally and personally.
“I’m so proud of our Stellantis teams for their extraordinary work and I wish Carlos and them every success as they continue their great adventure. Finally, I am very honoured to have been asked to join the Stellantis Foundation Board.”
Stellantis chairman John Elkann said: “I’d like to thank Mike for all that he has done over his 20 years with us.
“His time at the head of Jeep was transformational for that flagship brand and then as the CEO of FCA he led the company to record results through some of its most challenging moments.
“Working closely with Carlos, he was instrumental in the creation and successful launch of Stellantis. We wish him all the very best in his new role.”
Mr Manley was appointed Head of Americas and a member of Stellantis’ top executive team in January 2021.
He has an extensive background in all aspects of global business operations including strategy, business development, commercial, brand, product planning and operational activities.
His career includes joining DaimlerChrysler in 2000 as director of network development in Britain.
Since December 2008, he was responsible for product planning and all sales activities outside of North America. He later served as executive vice president of international sales and global product planning operations.
In that role, Mr Manley was responsible for implementing the co-operation agreements for distribution of Chrysler Group products through Fiat’s international distribution network.
He also served as head of Jeep brand, head of Ram brand and chief operating officer for the APAC region as well as a member of FCA’s group executive council.
He served as CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. from July 2018 to January 2021.
Mr Manley holds a master of business administration from Ashridge Management College (Ashridge, England) and a bachelor of science in engineering from Southbank University (London).
By Neil Dowling
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