THE UK boss of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Steve Zanlunghi, has been appointed president and ceo of FCA Australia, effective today (01 August).

As well as having headed up the UK operation, Steve was also head of Jeep brand – Europe, Middle East and Africa. There has been no news on a replacement for Mr Zanlunghi.

Mr Zanlunghi, an Australian national, joined FCA in 1997 working in Chrysler’s Customer Centre, before being appointed to a number of senior executive positions across the United States and Europe.

He was named FCA UK’s managing director in July 2012, while at the same time being appointed chairman of FCA Ireland, overseeing a period of unrivalled growth for the company in the region.

In February 2015, Mr Zanlunghi was named head of Jeep brand – Europe, Middle East and Africa. In this role, he developed the EMEA regional Jeep brand strategy, including product, sales, marketing and network development, while maintaining his responsibility for the UK and Irish markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Asia Pacific chief operating officer Mike Manley, said: “I’m delighted to be making this announcement, as it further strengthens our APAC team and sees one of our senior executives appointed to lead a key market for us. Steve is not only a capable leader, but he also has a good understanding of the Australian market place.”