Hellcat Muscle Car Maven Tim Kuniskis Retiring As Dodge And Ram CEO

Stellantis announced on Friday that Dodge and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis is retiring from the company.

Kuniskis has worked at Stellantis and its predecessor companies since 1992.

He worked his way up through the sales and marketing ranks before being named President and CEO of Dodge in 2013, following a stint heading up the Fiat brand.

At Dodge, Kuniskis was instrumental in launching the Hellcat 6.2-liter supercharged V8-powered models that became the muscle car brand’s signature.

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The engine was a runaway hit that exceeded expectations and was expanded to the Durango SUV, Chrysler 300, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Ram 1500 TRX.

All of the models at one time or another were able to lay claim to “most powerful of all time” for their respective segments.

Kuniskis’ role has changed several times over the past decade, and included posts as head of Maserati, Jeep and all of Fiat-Chrysler’s passenger cars, but he was named Dodge CEO again in 2021 and added Ram CEO to his resume in 2023.

Most recently, he oversaw the radical decision to discontinue V8-powered Dodge cars in favor of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona, while also adding a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder to the upcoming Dodge Charger lineup.

Ram has also discontinued V8 engines in its light duty models and will replace them with a combination of the inline-six-cylinder, an all-electric drivetrain and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that will be featured in the Ram 1500 Ramcharger.

Kuniskis was featured in launch videos for the Charger and high performance Ram 1500 RHO, which both go on sale in the 2025 model year.

Dodge sales lead Matt McAlear is replacing Kuniskis as CEO and Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell is adding the Ram CEO position to her responsibilities.

“I want to take the opportunity to warmly thank Tim for his passion, commitment and contributions to Stellantis and in defining the vision of the future electrified Ram and Dodge brands. I wish him well in his retirement,” Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said in a press release.

“I am confident that Chris will continue the work of Tim in leading the iconic Ram brand. Matt will bring a fresh perspective, while continuing to draw on the heritage of our iconic Dodge brand and leading the transition of the brand toward a sustainable future.”