FCA Group Announces Mike Manley As New CEO

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Group has just announced that Mike Manley will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect, after unexpected news of a health crisis for Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne.

The group controls brands such as Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Fiat, Jeep, and Dodge as well as automotive system supplier Magneti Marelli. While Fiat and Alfa Romeo vehicles are not officially represented in Malaysia, Magneti Marelli has a plant in Penang that produces lighting systems for vehicles, called Malaysian Automotive Lighting Sdn Bhd.

Maserati vehicles meanwhile are distributed by Naza Italia, who also distributes Ferrari vehicles.

“With reference to the health of Sergio Marchionne, FCA communicates with profound sorrow that during the course of this week unexpected complications arose while Mr Marchionne was recovering from surgery and that these have worsened significantly in recent hours,” the company said in a statement today.

“As a consequence, Mr Marchionne will be unable to return to work.”

According to international news reports, Marchionne recently developed complications following a shoulder surgery three weeks ago.

Manley is also the current global head of the Jeep brand. Prior to this new role, Manley, a native of England, was the COO of the Asia Pacific region. He was also the lead Chrysler Group executive for the international activities of Chrysler outside of North America.