The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8. Image: Chrysler Group, LLC
Ralph Gilles is a car guy who loves to drive, and he’s pretty damn good at it. He’s competed in One Lap of America and the Targa Newfoundland, just to name a few events off the top of my head. Speak with him and you soon realize that he’d rather be sweating in three layers of Nomex, preparing to slam the door on a trailing competitor, than sitting in a boardroom discussing numbers with Chrysler Group head Sergio Marchionne. Still, as the lead designer for Chrysler Group, LLC, and the former CEO of the Dodge brand, that’s how Gilles spent the bulk of his days. I say spent, because things are changing at Chrysler; thanks to a management shuffle, Gilles has been appointed CEO of the SRT brand at Chrysler, and that’s exactly where we need him.
The SRT division encompasses products from Dodge (Challenger, Charger), Chrysler (300) and Jeep (Grand Cherokee), and is also tasked with running the company’s racing efforts. Look for SRT to expand their product lineup, since entry-level products are sadly under-represented, and to increase their racing efforts. Dodge has always been a believer in the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” philosophy, and there’s ample opportunity for involvement in professional racing.
I had a chance to meet Gilles last February, and he impressed me as the perfect guy to run a performance car division. He assured me that good things were in the pipeline, and this move is further proof that Chrysler is on the right track. Congratulations, Mr. Gilles, and here’s wishing you much success in your new role.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
