FCA'a U.S. Safety Chief to Retire

Scott Kunselman, senior vice president of vehicle safety and regulatory affairs for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s U.S. operations, is retiring from the company after a 30-year career with FCA and its predecessors.

The move is effective Nov. 30. Kunselman’s successor will be named later.

Kunselman was appointed to his current position last year amid a series of safety and quality issues that plagued the carmaker. He represented FCA in congressional hearings and in its dealings with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which this summer levied a $105 million penalty against the company for violating laws in 23 recalls involving more than 11 million vehicles.

FCA also is under investigation for failing to report some deaths and injuries. The company denies it intentionally misled NHTSA.

Kunselman, a mechanical engineer, joined Chrysler in 1985. His tenure included stints as head of engineering and overseeing purchasing and supplier quality.

Following his departure from FCA, the 52-yer-old Kunselman will join Oakland University in the newly created position of chief operating officer on Dec. 1. The university also is located in Auburn Hills, Mich., just a few miles away from FCA’s headquarters in the city. Kunselman has been a member of Oakland University’s board of trustees, serving on FCA’s behalf, since 2012.