Fiat and now Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has shipped in Paolo Ferrero, a senior manager from Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), the Fiat Group's powertrain division to take control of Chrysler's powertrain activities with immediate effect, where he will report directly to Marchionne.

"Chrysler Group LLC today, in recognition of the importance of powertrain technologies to the Company’s success, realigned its powertrain organisation and named Paolo E. Ferrero Senior Vice President of Chrysler Powertrain," read a statement issued by Chrysler in Auburn Hills, Michigan. "Chrysler Group is restructuring its Powertrain organization by bringing it under a single point of responsibility, reporting directly to Sergio Marchionne."

As the trade off for landing an initial 20 percent stake in Chrysler Group, Fiat has to provide its up-to-date technology, and in particular its smaller, efficient engines. The importance of integrating FPT's powertrain activities in the Chrysler Group's future planning as quickly as possible is emphasised by the fact that Ferrero will now report directly to Marchionne. Previously the head of Chrysler Group's powertrain activities, Robert Lee, reported directly to the head of product development. Lee hasn't as yet left the company despite Ferrero's appointment.

"In this position, Ferrero is directly responsible for all powertrain activities for Chrysler Group with a focus on technology sharing with the Fiat Powertrain Technologies organisation," the Chrysler press release continued. "Additionally, he will provide indirect oversight of powertrain manufacturing, testing, quality, and international operations while also ensuring strong integration and alignment with the Chrysler Group vehicle engineering organization and other supporting functions," it added.

Ferrero joins Chrysler Group from Fiat Powertrain Technologies where he gained extensive experience in product development and powertrain. His most recent position was Vice President – Product Engineering. Ferrero holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Turin.