Bashar Cholagh, Gregory Hawkins, Scott Thiele, Teresa Thiele and Marvin Washington each have had a hand in diversity efforts within Stellantis' massive purchasing operation, and they are being collectively honored in Automotive News' inaugural Champions of Diversity listing.

Scott Thiele, who led global purchasing for FCA and now heads North America portfolio planning, said the seating supplier for the Ram 1500 is Detroit's Bridgewater Interiors — a joint venture with seating company Adient and Epsilon Technologies. The Black-owned company was formed in 1998 to manufacture seating for General Motors. Stellantis is focused on finding diverse creators in the startup space. 

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At Stellantis, supplier diversity a team effort

Bashar Cholagh, Gregory Hawkins, Scott Thiele, Teresa Thiele and Marvin Washington each have had a hand in diversity efforts within Stellantis' massive purchasing operation.

— Vince Bond Jr.