In its March 2023 issue, MOTORTREND listed the 49 executives who most influenced the auto industry in the past 12 months. While the "Person-of-the-Year" was Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor Group, Stellantis had two executives named- Carlos Tavares, CEO (#4) and Ralph Gilles, Head of Design (#16). Here is what was said about the two Stellantis executives' accomplishments: Carlos Tavares Tavares has a giant to-do list, managing 14 brands in assorted regions, each requiring its own distinctive lane and road to profitability. The CEO of the company, created by merging Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group, was expected to cull some brands, but Tavares is giving each division's CEO direction and latitude to make them able as he drives them all to an electric lineup. And, he is doing it with surprisingly healthy global sales and returns. Ralph Gilles Gilles peers voted to give him the 2023 EyesOn Design Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the youngest ever recipient of the global design honor. It's well deserved: Gilles is the man behind the Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle car concept, award-winning Ram trucks, minivans, Jeeps of every kind, elegant Chryslers, and sexy Maseratis. With his MBA, he is also a corporate decision-maker at the highest levels.
Ralph Gilles didn't replace Trevor Creed as Senior Vice President of Design, until August 2008. The Challenger concept came out in 2006. Watch this video, where Micheal Castigliano and Allan Barrington describe how the concept came about. Challenger Designers - Castiglione and Barrington, Part 1 - YouTube
Edit: reminder: the "g" in many Italian words is silent. Note how Castiglione says his own name. You are an excellent historian, "Tom."
