(November 21, 2011) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Laura Soave is out as head of the Fiat brand for North America. The news was released today when Chrysler announced that it had named Timothy Kuniskis to the position. Kuniskis most recently served as director for both the Chrysler Brand and Fiat Brand Product Marketing. Chrysler said the move is effective immediately.

 Soave, 39, who supervised Chrysler's efforts to reintroduce the Fiat brand in North America after a 17-year absence, attended the rollout last week of the Fiat 500 Abarth at the Los Angeles auto show, but did not participate in the press conference, raising further questions about her tenure.

She had previously worked in marketing for both Ford and VW. Fiat's only North American vehicle, the subcompact 500, has suffered from lagging sales in part because of slow development of its U.S. dealer network.

The move comes on the heels of failed efforts to get Fiat dealerships up and running in the United States in a timely manner.

In his new role, Kuniskis is responsible for Fiat  in North America, which includes leadership for Fiat Brand sales, marketing, dealer network and service. He will continue the reintroduction of the iconic brand including its newest vehicle the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth.

“Tim brings broad expertise and leadership in dealer operations and marketing where he has been already working with the team to shape the direction of the Fiat Brand,” said Sergio Marchionne, Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group. “As North American Head of Fiat, much of his immediate focus will be working with the dealer body where his fresh perspective from the operational side, as well as that on the commercial side, will begin the Fiat Brand’s next chapter.”

Kuniskis joined Chrysler in 1992 and since then has held a series of increasingly responsible positions in the Company’s business center operations and marketing organization.

Chrysler said Soave has left the company and will pursue other interests.

Sources: Chrysler, Automotive News