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JAY

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Press Release:

Stellantis Announces Appointments of Veteran Industry Executives to Lead Ram and Jeep® Brands

Jeep Gladiator New Jeep CEO Named (Branden Coté) {filename}

  • Leaders join Stellantis as part of CEO Antonio Filosa’s strategy to accelerate growth; both will report to Tim Kuniskis
  • Matt VanDyke appointed CEO of Ram brand, effective July 20
  • Branden Coté appointed CEO of Jeep® brand, effective August 3
July 20, 2026 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Stellantis announces the appointment of two veteran automotive industry executives to lead the Ram and Jeep® brands.

Matt VanDyke has been named the new CEO of Ram brand, effective July 20. Van Dyke succeeds Tim Kuniskis, who was named head of American brands, North America marketing and retail strategy, Stellantis North America in July 2025 while also continuing to lead Ram brand.

Branden Coté has been named the new CEO of Jeep brand, effective August 3. Coté succeeds Bob Broderdorf, who has led the brand since February 2025 and will be taking medical leave. Broderdorf will assume a new leadership role within the company when he returns.

The moves are part of Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa's ongoing strategy to build a team of experienced executives who are well positioned to lead the company's growth plan. Both executives will report directly to Kuniskis.

VanDyke joins Ram as a seasoned industry executive, most recently serving as president of Shift Digital, a leading digital marketing firm that has worked with some of the most recognizable automotive brands in the world. Prior to joining Shift, he served as CEO of FordDirect and held several roles at Ford Motor Company, including head of U.S. marketing, VP marketing, Ford of Europe and head of global marketing, sales and service for Lincoln.

Coté joins Jeep with two decades of experience leading both OEM and dealer retail operations across the industry. Most recently, with AutoNation, he served as brand president, leading multiple top-tier brands. Previously, he held key leadership roles with Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd., Canoo, Mercedes-AMG/Mercedes-Benz USA, among other automakers and dealers.

“Matt and Branden are proven leaders who will build on our successes and take these iconic American brands to the next level,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of American brands, North America marketing and retail strategy, Stellantis North America. “Their skills and deep industry experience align with our simple, but very important, customer-centric objective: to provide people with the brands and products they love and trust. I also want to thank Bob Broderdorf for his exceptional leadership of Jeep. Bob is a dedicated and valued colleague, and a friend to many across the company. I look forward to continuing our work together when he takes on his new role.”
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Signing Spock

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Is it just me or is Stellantis swapping people every year or so? 🤦‍♂️ or maybe the shitshow has made everything seem like it’s more frequent than it really has been.
 

Gvsukids

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Is it just me or is Stellantis swapping people every year or so? 🤦‍♂️ or maybe the shitshow has made everything seem like it’s more frequent than it really has been.
Branden Coté has been named the new CEO of Jeep brand, effective August 3. Coté succeeds Bob Broderdorf, who has led the brand since February 2025
 

BourbonRunner

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Is it just me or is Stellantis swapping people every year or so? 🤦‍♂️ or maybe the shitshow has made everything seem like it’s more frequent than it really has been.
Yes and no. Bob Broderdorf's medical issues notwithstanding, Kuniskis is intentionally shaking up the power structure and brands and that means moving execs in and out that are or are not working, the very essence of corporate restructuring. That is precisely what John Elkann and Antonio Filosa hired him for, and for now he seems to be doing it.

From his public persona and resume he's more of a cross between Sergio Marchionne and John DeLorean- both were industry mavericks who relied heavily on directly marketing to their base to build excitement. Sure, we all complain about sticker package editions but at least they're out there doing something.
 

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ChrisNLA

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So basically a Digital Marketing and a Sales guy. Yep, that's where the problems are that are stunting growth...
Dodge wasn't mentioned here, but I'd say stuff like an EV Charger that nobody asked for, that they can't give away for 50% off MSRP, is more a pain point 😂

At least they tucked tail and brought back a 6.4 Durango for $50K. If I was buying a three row SUV right now it has my attention. Not even looking at anything else. Curious to see if that actually sells or just a distraction 😄
 

ChrisNLA

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I'm just shocked they haven't picked a CEO from the comments sections of the forums or social media yet.

Those mfers all know exactly what to do.
Green light a Hemi Gladiator and then quit my job 🤣 🤪

That's about all I'd be 'qualified' for anyway.
 

BourbonRunner

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It's literally that easy.

Can't believe they're the CEO's and I'm not.
Right, because we know based on your history you'd be throwing Mercedes diesels in everything.

On second thought, you should totally submit your resume.
 

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WilldWilly

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CEO of the week award goes tooooo...........

This is boring. Give me Bob Lutz, John Moss, Carrol Shelby, Lee Icacca. At least these guys were not boring. The problem with vehicles today is you have two choices. SUVs, and 4 door short box pickups. So boring. This is why at least two members of the jeep brand stick out. Get off my lawn til you have a factory v8 in a Gladiator without all the bla bla bla about tow ratings. I just want to haul ass. Maybe one of these two will order that to happen. We can put men on the moon, but we can't put a V8 in a Gladiator while Wrangler laughs at us. Get off my lawn!
 
 







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