Stellantis has announced the appointment of Tim Fallon as the new Head of Manufacturing for North America, effective September 2. Fallon, a seasoned industry professional, previously headed EV manufacturing at Rivian and served in various production roles over a 16-year tenure at Nissan.
Tim Fallon’s industry experience
Tim Fallon brings a wealth of experience to Stellantis, having previously led the manufacturing operations at Rivian, where he played a key role in the company’s efforts to scale its EV production. Prior to his time at Rivian, Fallon spent over 16 years at Nissan, where he held various production roles, honing his skills in operational excellence and leadership in the automotive sector.
Leadership transition at Stellantis
Carlos Zarlenga, Chief Operating Officer of Stellantis North America, expressed confidence in Fallon’s ability to steer the company’s manufacturing efforts through this transformative period.
“Tim brings his relentless pursuit of operational excellence and strong track record of manufacturing experience, including electric vehicle production, to Stellantis as we enter this critical stage of our transformation,” said Zarlenga. “With this year marking the start of our electric vehicle offensive, I have full confidence that Tim’s passion and collaborative spirit will lead the team to deliver the highest quality vehicles for our customers.”
In a related move, Mike Resha, the current Head of North America Manufacturing, will transition to a global role overseeing Injection and Stamping Operations. Resha, who has been instrumental in maintaining operations during challenging times such as the pandemic and the global chip shortage, will now focus on Stellantis’ Global Press Shops and Dies.
Stellantis’ EV push
Fallon’s appointment comes as Stellantis prepares to launch several battery-powered models, marking a significant shift in the automaker’s strategy. His leadership is expected to be crucial in ensuring the success of Stellantis’ ambitious electrification plans, aligning with the company’s broader vision for the future of mobility.
Rivian’s production challenges following Fallon’s departure
Rivian, the electric vehicle startup known for its R1S SUVs and R1T pickups, confirmed Fallon’s departure and appointed Carlo Materazzo, a former Stellantis executive, as interim head of production. Rivian is currently expanding its facility in Normal, Illinois, to accommodate the production of the anticipated R2 SUV, a model seen as critical to the company’s future amidst a slowdown in EV demand.
