Stellantis on Monday named Jason Stoicevich its head of Canadian operations, effective immediately.
He replaces David Buckingham, who is retiring at the end of May after 35 years with the automaker.
Stoicevich will report to Stellantis North America Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart.
Stoicevich first joined Stellantis in 2002 and has held a series of positions with increasing responsibility, including Vice-president – FIAT brand.
He rejoined the company in 2018 as director of the California Business Centre after three years in a related automotive role.
In 2022, he was appointed director of the Southwest (Dallas) Business Centre.
“He has a deep understanding of the automotive industry with a strong background in brand, sales, marketing, dealer network and service,” Stellantis said in a statement.
Stewart in the same statement said Stoicevich “is joining the Canadian team at a pivotal moment in our history."
Stellantis, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, is building a $5-billion electric-vehicle battery plant in Windsor, Ont. It’s also shuffling product around its North American facilities. And, contract talks with Unifor are set to start later this year.
“I believe his combination of work experience and leadership skills will be a tremendous asset as we prepare for an electric future,” Stewart said.
Stewart wished Buckingham the best in retirement.
“The company is incredibly grateful for Dave’s many contributions, including his leadership in helping secure multiple long-term investments in Canada that will benefit generations of employees,” Stewart said.
Buckingham is retiring from his positions as chairman, president and CEO of FCA Canada, which is still the legal business name of Stellantis operations in Canada.
He was named to those posts during 2020 and guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, a collective bargaining agreement with Unifor and the billions of investment the automaker has pledged in its Canadian operations.
This report will be updated.
