Chrysler Names Alfa Romeo Brand Chief for N. America

Chrysler Group LLC has named Reid Bigland to orchestrate the return of Fiat SpA's Alfa Romeo brand to North America. He will continue as head of U.S. sales operations and CEO of Chrysler Canada.

Chrysler also appointed Robert Hegbloom, formerly director of Ram trucks, as head of the Ram brand. Both moves are effective immediately.

Alfa left the U.S. market in 1995. In May, Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the company will spend €5 billion ($6.7 billion) over the next five years to revive the Alfa brand with at least four new Italian-made models.