Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. CEO Mike Manley issued an email earlier this week to FCA employees announcing several leadership changes. These new appointments are in addition to roughly a dozen other leadership changes made in October.
“As you recall, in early October we announced senior executive changes that underscored the depth of expertise we have leading FCA. That team is now fully engaged across our regions, brands and functional groups, focused on delivering our five-year business plan commitments. To build on those appointments, today I’m pleased to announce additional changes to our leadership team, effective immediately,” said Manley in his email to FCA employees. “These moves help bring critical skills to key roles, including external perspectives to broaden our frame of reference as we continue our relentless pursuit of best practices in everything we do.”
Former Amazon executive Mark Stewart has been named chief operating officer (COO) of FCA’s North America region. Most recently, Stewart served as Amazon’s vice president of operations, overseeing customer fulfillment across 200 facilities with 180,000 employees. He led teams focusing on advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and automation methods. Stewart also has significant automotive experience, serving as the COO of automotive components supplier ZF TRW. His background is electrical engineering, and over the course of his career, he has been based in the U.S., Belgium, Germany and China with experiences across production, quality and engineering. Stewart will join the Group Executive Council (GEC).
Niel Golightly has been named global chief communications officer. Golightly joins FCO from Shell Oil Co., where he served as the vice president of external relations Americas. In that role, he was responsible for developing and leading the implementation of reputation, brand and stakeholder engagement and communication strategies for Shell’s business lines in North and South America. Prior to that, Golightly served as global vice president, communications and sustainable development for Royal Dutch Shell’s worldwide Downstream businesses, based in London. He also has substantial experience in the automotive sector, having worked in a number of roles for Ford Motor Co., including vice president of public affairs for Ford of Europe. Golightly also will join the GEC.
Mike Keegan has been named chief audit, sustainability and compliance officer. Keegan, who previously served as global head of communications, is replacing Alessandro Baldi, who has announced his intent to retire in the first quarter of 2019. Keegan continues to serve on the GEC and as the GEC coordinator.
“On behalf of all FCA employees, I would like to thank Sandro for his many years of humble and tireless service to our company. I wish him all the best in his next chapter,” said Manley. “Please join me in congratulating the leaders taking new roles and a big welcome to those joining our organization.”
