Mamatha Chamarthi, head of Stellantis’ software business, is now the fifth top-level executive to leave the automaker
Running a successful navy is impossible if all your admirals quit and abandon ship. Stellantis faces a similar challenge. In the past few months, at least five executives have left the brand. The latest departure is Mamatha Chamarthi, whose work history suggests a strong sense of loyalty.
Chamarthi led Stellantis’ software business, focusing on generating revenue through connected services like navigation. She began her journey with Chrysler Corp as a contractor in 1996 and became an employee in 1998. Over the years, she rose to the position of Chief Information Officer at Fiat Chrysler in 2019. Now, she has resigned, effective immediately.
According to AutoNews, Christiani Campos will be stepping into the now-vacant role. “Cristiani has an outstanding track record in business development in Latin America and Taiwan, combined with a solid financial background,” a Stellantis spokesperson stated. They also confirmed that Chamarthi left to pursue other opportunities. Where she ends up next could be quite revealing.
Several other Stellantis executives have also left the company, while some have retired. Jason Stoicevich joined in May as the VP of U.S. retail sales but decided the position wasn’t for him and left just two months later. Richard Schwarzwald, Chief Customer Experience Officer, also resigned after joining the top executive team in 2021.
Tim Kuniskis and Jim Morrison, two executives beloved by fans, both retired in May. Their departures were somewhat unexpected, as Morrison had just taken on a new role in late 2023, and Kuniskis seemed poised to lead Dodge and Ram into the electric age. The shifting executive landscape at Stellantis has raised concerns about the company’s stability.
David Kelleher, a Pennsylvania dealer and former chairman of the Stellantis National Dealer Council, told Auto News, “Not only did you [Stellantis] forcibly let people go who have talent and experience, but other people with immense talent and experience are choosing to leave… So it begs the question: What’s causing that? I’m not going to speculate on the motives, but they’re all happening in quick succession.”
Stellantis is undoubtedly undergoing significant internal changes. It is launching new models like the Dodge Charger Daytona and the Jeep Wagoneer S. Simultaneously, it is drastically reducing the use of carbon credits to save money and become greener. Can the company survive with so many key figures leaving? Only time will tell.
