Chrysler recently announced a slew of personal changes and we weren’t really paying attention until we realized that they also included Ralph Gilles, who will now serve as President and CEO of the SRT performance brand. Street and Racing Technology makes go-faster versions of vehicles already in the Chrysler lineup and we can think of no one better for the job.
According to a recent press release, the SRT brand will also take charge of the company's various motorsports activities. So Gills will have a lot of hats to wear in addition to his duties regarding interior and exterior design.
This is the first time that the SRT was treated properly as Chrysler's own brand. While fans will still get what they expect, the identity of the performance vehicles might become more linear across the Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler ranges.
“Gilles is extremely active inside and outside the Company. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN) in addition to playing a leading role with The Chrysler Global Diversity Council. He also serves on the boards of The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich. and The Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital Regional Medical Center in Pontiac, Mich. At his alma mater, The College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Gilles serves on The CCS Board of Trustees and The CCS Capital Committee,” Chrysler says.
His official biography on Chrysler’s website already describes him as a fan of go-kart racing and a man who enjoys Formula 1 auto racing. Gilles has participated in the Targa Newfoundland Rally and the Car and Driver One Lap of America. In addition, he has frequently served as a judge at Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook and Cranbrook Concours events, along with the EyesOn Design car show.
According to a recent press release, the SRT brand will also take charge of the company's various motorsports activities. So Gills will have a lot of hats to wear in addition to his duties regarding interior and exterior design.
This is the first time that the SRT was treated properly as Chrysler's own brand. While fans will still get what they expect, the identity of the performance vehicles might become more linear across the Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler ranges.
“Gilles is extremely active inside and outside the Company. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN) in addition to playing a leading role with The Chrysler Global Diversity Council. He also serves on the boards of The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich. and The Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital Regional Medical Center in Pontiac, Mich. At his alma mater, The College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, Gilles serves on The CCS Board of Trustees and The CCS Capital Committee,” Chrysler says.
His official biography on Chrysler’s website already describes him as a fan of go-kart racing and a man who enjoys Formula 1 auto racing. Gilles has participated in the Targa Newfoundland Rally and the Car and Driver One Lap of America. In addition, he has frequently served as a judge at Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook and Cranbrook Concours events, along with the EyesOn Design car show.