A top executive at Stellantis, Tim Kuniskis, is returning to the company after retiring in May 2024. Kuniskis will return to lead the Ram brand, sources familiar with the matter said, a position he previously held at Ram Trucks and Dodge.

His return comes at the back of the sudden resignation of Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares, who last week stepped down amidst numerous challenges the company was experiencing in the North American market. Stellantis in a statement confirmed the appointment. The company stated that having a dedicated CEO for the Ram brand will unlock significant potential and drive better outcomes.

Kuniskis’ tenure at Stellantis has seen a number of significant highlights. Most popularly, he is known as the father of Dodge Hellcat models, such as the 707-hp Charger and Challenger Hellcat. He also led efforts for the Hellcat-power Ram TRX pickup truck, one of the success stories in the brand’s portfolio. His leadership has molded Dodge into a quintessential American muscle car brand, boosting its popularity with the Challenger Demon drag racing edition.

Other leadership changes in North America, beyond Kuniskis’s return, are underway within Stellantis. Chris Feuell, who was running the Ram and Chrysler brands in tandem, will be relieved of responsibility for the former, with his responsibilities confined to Chrysler and Alfa Romeo. Jeff Kommor will assume North American sales, and Larry Dominique, the previous head of Alfa Romeo in the region, will leave the company.

Under Tavares, Stellantis had suffered in the U.S. market, even as the industry generally continued to grow. The company reported a 17% decline in sales compared with the same period last year, through the third quarter of 2024, and Ram sales were down 24%. These results have led to the shake-up at the top, which includes Kuniskis’ return to lead Ram through its problems.

Kuniskis, who has extensive experience in the North American market, will be tasked with reviving the Ram brand and boosting Stellantis’ stand in the competitive U.S. automotive sector.