Chrysler brand chief Chehab leaves to head Maserati marketing

DETROIT -- Saad Chehab, head of the Chrysler and Lancia brands, will give up those positions to become the chief marketing officer of Fiat S.p.A.'s Maserati luxury brand, Chrysler said today.

Al Gardner, 49, who has been head of Chrysler Group's southeast business center in Florida, will take over as head of the Chrysler brand, the company said in a statement.

Also, Peter Grady, 53, head of Chrysler's dealer network and fleet, will add extra responsibilities as head of U.S. operations for the Maserati brand, the company said.

Chehab, 46, has been head of the Chrysler and Lancia brands since 2011 and before that was director of advertising and brand marketing for Chrysler Group.

The moves are effective immediately.