SRT Reborn: Stellantis Revives Performance Unit Under Kuniskis’ Expanded Leadership

• Stellantis names Kuniskis head of all American brands under new CEO Filosa’s North America push.

• SRT performance division returns, overseeing future high-performance cars, trucks and motorsports.

• Company aims to recover U.S. market share and rebuild trust among dealers, suppliers, and buyers.

Tim Kuniskis has been appointed to lead all American brands at Stellantis, adding the resurrected Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division to his responsibilities. The automaker, under new CEO Antonio Filosa, is working hard to strengthen its North American operations and restore market confidence.

Filosa, who became global CEO on June 23, created the new position to accelerate the revitalization of Stellantis’s product portfolio. Kuniskis will oversee Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, along with North America marketing and retail strategy, while continuing as CEO of Ram.

The decision follows a decline in the U.S. market share in 2024 and concerns over pricing competitiveness. Dealers and suppliers have welcomed Filosa’s commitment to prioritize the North American business. Unlike predecessor Carlos Tavares, who managed the company from Europe, Filosa is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Kuniskis, a self-described car enthusiast from Rochester, New York, previously retired in June 2024 but returned to run Ram later that year following Tavares’s departure. In his first months back, he reintroduced the Hemi V8 option for the 2026 Ram 1500 and confirmed Ram’s entry into the NASCAR Truck Series.

As part of the reshuffle, Stellantis is reviving its SRT performance unit. The division will develop high-performance models and manage Dodge’s Direct Connection parts line along with motorsport programs, including Dodge’s NHRA drag racing efforts and Ram’s planned NASCAR trucks. “We’re getting the band back together,” Kuniskis said.

The SRT group traces its roots to Chrysler’s Specialty Vehicle Engineering teams responsible for vehicles like the Dodge Viper. It was last treated as a standalone brand in 2011 before being folded back into broader operations. Its revival under Kuniskis is expected to unify performance work across Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler and Ram.

Filosa’s new leadership team includes executives with long ties to Chrysler-era brands. Ralph Gilles continues as head of design, Olivier Francois leads marketing, Bob Broderdorf now oversees Jeep, and Matt McAlear manages Dodge. Chris Feuell remains linked to Chrysler and Alfa Romeo, while Ned Curic directs product development and technology.

Stellantis has not yet announced specific SRT vehicles. However, Kuniskis suggested a pipeline of future performance models that may include internal combustion and electrified powertrains.