Chrysler Purchasing Chief Scott Kunselman To Lead New Safety Office

Chrysler Group tapped its head of purchasing to lead a new office that will oversee safety issues and regulatory compliance as scrutiny over the industry’s safety record grows.

In the new role, Scott Kunselman, who succeeded the late Dan Knott as purchasing boss in 2012, will report directly to CEO Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler said in mid-August. Tom Finelli, 44, Chrysler’s current director for global standardization, will assume responsibility for North American purchasing and supplier quality, effective immediately, Chrysler said in a statement.

Chrysler joins General Motors in creating a high-profile position devoted to safety issues. In March, GM named Jeff Boyer as vice president of global vehicle safety as its recall crisis escalated.

Chrysler said its moves "will help intensify the company’s continuing commitment to vehicle safety and regulatory compliance." The actions will also focus engineering resources on product development, Chrysler said.

Prior to his move to purchasing, Kunselman, 51, was senior vice president for engineering, a position that included oversight of regulatory compliance.

So far this year, Chrysler has announced 17 recall campaigns, involving 3.2 million vehicles.

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