Fiat Chrysler Vehicles CEO Mike Manley will change into head of Americas operations for Stellantis, the automotive group that will likely be shaped after the merger of FCA and PSA Group.

Manley, 56, was a key determine in driving ahead the merger, working with PSA CEO Carlos Tavares since late 2018 to deliver the 2 automakers collectively. However, in contrast to Tavares and Elkann, he is not going to have a seat on the board of administrators of Stellantis. The businesses are working to close the merger by the tip of the primary quarter of 2021.

In a letter to employees launched by FCA on Friday, Elkann, who is about to change into Stellantis’ Chairman, praised Manley’s job at FCA, from his appointment as CEO in 2018 after the sudden demise of former boss Sergio Marchionne by means of to the merger course of with PSA, which is anticipated to be finalized firstly of subsequent yr.

“As soon as our merger completes — hopefully quickly within the new yr — Mike will likely be requested to take up the position of head of Americas, working alongside Carlos and persevering with to deliver his nice expertise, vitality and drive to creating Stellantis the extraordinary firm we all know will probably be,” Elkann stated.

“The truth that as FCA we’re getting into this new and thrilling period in such very sturdy, sturdy form is a superb tribute to him and his management fashion,” Elkann stated.

Manley, who relies in Detroit, will lead the North and South American operations of Stellantis, which might be the fourth-largest international automaker by quantity, based mostly on 2019 gross sales. The majority of FCA’s income come from North America, by means of its Jeep and Ram manufacturers. He had additionally been seen as a candidate to steer Ferrari after CEO Louis Camilleri stepped down final week.

Stellantis’ American operations will embrace Brazil and Argentina, apart from the U.S. and Canada the place sturdy gross sales of vans and SUVs at present make up the majority of FCA income.

Earlier than being requested to take over from Marchionne, the British-born Manley was head of the Jeep and Ram manufacturers and of FCA’s Asia-Pacific area, together with China. He joined what was then DaimlerChrysler in 2000 as director of community improvement for the UK. He then held the highest positions in worldwide gross sales and international product planning.

Reuters contributed to this report