Fiat Chrysler names new head of Alfa Romeo and Maserati

MILAN (AP) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced that its U.S. sales chief will take over the premium Italian Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands.

The Italian-American automaker announced Tuesday that Reid Bigland will replace Harald Wester, who will retain his role as the automaker's chief technology officer.

Bigland will remain head of U.S. sales and CEO of FCA Canada.

CEO Sergio Marchionne said in a statement that Bigland will steer the brands toward their "global commercial expansion." He cited Bigland's success in growing sales in the United States and Canada over the last seven years.

The expansion of Alfa Romeo and Maserati are a key element of Marchionne's five-year business plan, including the re-launch of production in Italy for the export market.