By Eric Sylvers in Milan and Nora Naughton in Detroit

Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Mike Manley will become head of the Americas following the Italian-American company's merger with France's PSA Group

Mr. Manley, a 20-year veteran of the company with deep knowledge of the U.S. market and Fiat Chrysler's global operations, took over as CEO in 2018 following the sudden death of Sergio Marchionne.

"Mike took the helm of our company under the most difficult of circumstances, with Sergio's cruel and premature passing in July 2018, and he took us out of those dark days, leading by example," Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann wrote in a letter to employees on Friday announcing the move.

Following the merger, slated to close by the end of March, PSA chief executive Carlos Tavares will retain that position at the new company, which will be called Stellantis.

Write to Eric Sylvers at eric.sylvers@wsj.com and Nora Naughton at nora.naughton@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-18-20 0826ET