New appointments in FCA: the Asia Pacific region, until now entrusted to Mike Manley who was and remains also responsible for the Jeep and Ram brands, is divided into two. Daphne Zheng is appointed Chief Operating Officer (Coo) for China while Paul Alcala appointed Chief Operation Officer for Asia Pacific excluding China. This was announced in a press release from the automotive group.
Zheng joined FCA over eight years ago and most recently held the role of Managing Director of the joint venture with Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC) which manages commercial activities in China. Previously, you held senior positions in Sales and Marketing for FCA in China.
Paul Alcala joined FCA 29 years ago and most recently held the role of Head of Developments for manufacturing and commercial joint ventures with GAC in China. Previously, he held senior operational roles in Europe, Latin America and the United States.
Zheng and Alcala will both join FCA's Group Executive Council (GEC)., the highest decision-making body at FCA management level led by the Chief Executive Officer.
Mike Manley, clarified the statement, until today head of the Asia Pacific Region, will continue to be part of the GEC in his role of head of the Jeep and Ram brands globally.
“Over the last five years – commented the CEO of FCA, Sergio Marchionne – Mike has created solid foundations for growth and with today's appointments in the APAC Region he will be able to devote full attention to our development plans for the Jeep and Ram brands in the United States and, above all, in the rest of the world. Mike will spearhead an unprecedented product plan that kicks off with the production of the new Jeep Compass this month, the launch of the new Wrangler later this year to the recently announced plans for a new Ram brand light duty truck, a Jeep brand and the Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer”. “The success of the 2014-2018 Plan - he continued - largely depends on Jeep's positioning as the undisputed world leader in the SUV segment and we have entrusted Mike with achieving this goal. He and I will work together to ensure that the operating regions respond effectively to this challenge”.
In separate announcements, David Apples appointed Deputy Coo Latin America, reporting to Stefan Ketter, Coo Latin America and Chief Manufacturing Officer of FCA. Previously, Mele served as Head of FCA Group Controlling and Chief Financial Officer Latin America
