Automotive
Stellantis is making another major leadership move in North America, naming new CEOs for two of its most important brands. Matt VanDyke has been appointed CEO of Ram effective immediately, while Branden Coté will become CEO of Jeep on August 3. The changes come as Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa continues reshaping the company’s leadership structure following his appointment in 2025, with a clear focus on strengthening the automaker’s U.S. business.
VanDyke takes over Ram from Tim Kuniskis, who has been balancing the Ram CEO role with his broader position as head of American brands, North America marketing, and retail strategy. VanDyke brings a strong marketing and retail background, including past executive roles at Ford and FordDirect, along with experience as president of Shift Digital, a company focused on automotive marketing technology. That background could prove useful for Ram as it works to build on recent sales momentum and keep attention on upcoming performance and truck launches.
Jeep’s leadership change follows a different path. Coté will replace Bob Broderdorf, who is taking medical leave and is expected to return to Stellantis in a different leadership position. Coté brings experience from companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and AutoNation, giving Jeep a leader with both premium-brand and retail expertise. That matters for Jeep, which remains one of Stellantis’ most valuable global names but has been working through sales pressure and a shifting product strategy.
Both VanDyke and Coté will report to Kuniskis, keeping Stellantis’ American brand leadership closely tied together as the company pushes for growth. The timing is important. Ram sales reportedly rose 11 percent in the second quarter, while Jeep sales fell 5 percent, creating different challenges for each brand. Stellantis is counting on new products such as the Jeep Cherokee Hybrid and Ram 1500 SRT TRX to help lift revenue in the second half of the year. For Jeep and Ram, these leadership changes are not just executive reshuffling. They are part of a broader attempt to restore momentum in the brands that matter most to Stellantis in North America.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
