BREAKING IN: Next Up: Ralph Gilles

Next Up: Ralph Gilles

Ralph Gilles kissing the Dodge Viper SRT on launch day

Ralph Gilles was appointed Head of Design, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. in April 2015. Prior to this appointment, Gilles has also served as the FCA North America Senior Vice President: Product Design, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Motorsports, President and CEO SRT Brand, and President and CEO Dodge brand for FCA US LLC. He was named Vice President of Design in September 2008.

Since first joining the Company in 1992 as a designer, Gilles has put his extensive academic background in industrial design and business administration to use, holding various positions within the Company. 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 supporting role with The Chrysler Global Diversity Council. He also serves on the board of McLaren Oakland in Pontiac, Michigan. At his alma mater, the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Gilles serves on The CCS Board of Trustees and The CCS Capital Committee.

An avid car enthusiast who enjoys spending time at the track, go-karting and watching Formula 1 auto racing, Gilles has participated in the Targa Newfoundland Rally, the Car and Driver One Lap of America and the SRT Viper Cup Series. 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.

Gilles has earned numerous academic and industry awards, including: The Michigan State University Eli Broad Graduate School of Management Young Alumni Achievement Award, The Automotive Hall of Fame Young Leadership & Excellence Award, NV Magazine Innovation Award, Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award and N’Digo Foundation N’Design Award.

Gilles holds a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. He was born in New York City, and grew up in Canada.