Chrysler brand head Gardner's duties will include dealer network

DETROIT -- Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has appointed current Chrysler brand head Al Gardner to replace Peter Grady as vice president of its dealer network when Grady retires at the end of March, the automaker said today.

Gardner, 51, has worked at Chrysler since 1986, when he started as a district manager trainee. He was appointed as head of the Chrysler brand in November 2013 and will keep the top Chrysler brand job. He previously worked in a number of positions in the company’s dealer network operations.

Grady, 55, announced in December his intention to retire from FCA US at the end of March. Grady has been at Chrysler since 1984, and been vice president for dealer network development since 2009.