Stellantis appoints new IAP Director of Communications

Stellantis has appointed Chris Keeffe as Director of Communications for the India and Asia Pacific region (IAP), effective immediately.

Keefe joins Stellantis from Nissan Motor Company where he most recently held the position of Deputy General Manager – Global Communication Strategy and Planning. Throughout his tenure at Nissan, Keefe held several senior communications positions, including lead for corporate and product communications in India and directing corporate communications for Nissan North America. He also has experience within the Africa and Middle East regions.

A Canadian citizen, Keefe will be based in Stellantis’ IAP regional sales and marketing office in Tokyo. He will lead the communications function, reporting to Carl Smiley, Chief Operating Officer IAP Region, and functionally to Bertrand Blaise, Chief Communications and CSR Officer at Stellantis.

Keefe will be responsible for overseeing all external and internal communications, product launch strategies, media relations and executive communications across India, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia markets.

“As a dynamic, experienced leader in communications strategy and execution across the region, Chris is an exciting appointment to Stellantis,” said Smiley. “With a passion for electrification and technology, Chris is ideally placed to help realise our global Dare Forward ambitions in the region.”

Keefe succeeds Lucy McLellan, who was recently appointed Global Head of Marketing & Communications for Jeep Brand. She will be based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. McLellan will report to Christian Meunier, CEO of Jeep Brand.

Cassie Whelan will now report to Keefe in her capacity as Head of Communications for Southeast Asia, overseeing 20 ASEAN and general distributor markets within the IAP region, including Australia and New Zealand.