AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Chrysler announced a new senior vice president of purchasing and supplier quality on Friday to take the place of Dan Knott, who is taking a medical retirement.

Appointed to the position, effective immediately, is Scott Kunselman, who was previously senior vice president of engineering.

Meanwhile, Chrysler named Mark Chernoby as its new senior vice president of engineering, a move that was also effective immediately.

Sharing more about Knott’s career, he worked at Chrysler for 24 years. Before his most recent position, Knott was instrumental developing such products as the Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the SRT lineup.

“Dan Knott’s leadership has been vital in the effort to revitalize Chrysler by fostering a new culture based on a commitment to meritocracy, excellence and accountability,” stated Sergio Marchionne, Chrysler’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“He has done an outstanding job in rehabilitating Chrysler’s relations with suppliers and, in so doing, enhancing our ability to offer more competitive products,” Marchionne added. “I am proud to have worked with Dan in the last three years, during which time he confirmed on every occasion an extreme sense of professionalism and unwavering dedication to the restoration of Chrysler’s credibility. All of us at Chrysler thank him for his many years of dedication to this company and wish him and his family only the best.”

Officials noted that Kunselman — the new senior vice president of purchasing and supplier quality — has been with Chrysler since 1985. He began his tenure with Chrysler in product engineering under the Chrysler Institute of Engineering Program.

As for Chernoby — the new senior vice president of engineering — he will continue product portfolio management duties on the Fiat-Chrysler Group Executive Council. Additionally, he will also remain the Product Committee Coordinator for the NAFTA region. Chernoby has also been with the company since 1985.