FCA India Appoints A New President

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has appointed a new President for its operations in India. Dr Partha Datta, who is an American citizen of Indian origin, has been appointed as the new President. 

Datta has been with FCA for 20 years. He joined the group as an engineer in 1999 and during his tenure with FCA, Dr  Datta was the Director of Technical Centres in Chennai and Pune and the Head of Product Engineering in China. Before being appointed as the President of FCA India, Dr  Datta was the Head of North American Vehicle Integration & Validation. 

He was also responsible for all validation activities across various FCA owned brands like Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Dodge. Dr Datta succeeds Kevin Flynn who was responsible for launching the Jeep brand in India along with the introduction and export of the Jeep Compass to other countries. Kevin Flynn has been appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer of FCA Australia.

Massimiliano Trantini, Chief Operating Officer of FCA Asia Pacific, announced the appointment today while also adding, “I am very pleased to appoint Partha to his new role in India. He is an accomplished executive with a passion for driving innovation”. 

Here’s what the press release says: 

Mumbai | India | Wednesday | September 4, 2019

FCA India has today announced that Dr. Partha Datta will assume the role of President and Managing Director.

FCA India has today announced that Dr. Partha Datta will assume the role of President and
Managing Director.

Dr. Datta, an American citizen of Indian Origin, joined FCA in 1999 as an engineer. Over the past twenty years, he has worked across international industrial and commercial operations, governance, business development projects, engineering and vehicle integration. During his tenure at FCA, Dr. Datta was also the Director of Technical Centres in Chennai and Pune, as well as the Head of Product Engineering in China.

In his most-recent role as Head of North American Vehicle Integration & Validation, Dr. Datta led a workforce of over 1500 employees, and the integration development activities for over 30 vehicle lines. He was responsible for all validation activities across all Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge and RAM models sold in North America.

Massimiliano Trantini, Chief Operating Officer, FCA Asia Pacific, announced the
appointment today. “I am very pleased to appoint Partha to his new role in India. He is an accomplished executive with a passion for driving innovation.

“With his extensive product development experience and intimate understanding of the local market, Partha is the perfect candidate to take over the India operation, particularly given our plans to continue localizing new models and exporting Jeep vehicles to right-hand-drive
markets around the world,” said Mr. Trantini.

Dr. Datta succeeds Kevin Flynn, who has been appointed to the role of President and Chief
Executive Officer at FCA Australia. Mr. Flynn was responsible for launching the Jeep brand in India, coupled with developing the manufacturing and export strategy for the new-generation Jeep Compass. Under his leadership, the Jeep brand was voted India’s most trusted automotive brand by Brand Trust

Report, India Study 2019 and last year Jeep Compass was India’s most awarded SUV. “We would like to thank Kevin for his significant contribution and unwavering dedication to FCA India. Kevin was instrumental in delivering both our commercial and manufacturing objectives over the past five years. Kevin leaves the position with our congratulations on his new appointment in Australia,” said Mr. Trantini.

Dr. Datta will assume the role effective immediately.