On the latest episode of Women Driving the Industry, Chris Feuell, CEO of the Chrysler brand at Stellantis, reflects on her path to becoming the first woman to lead Chrysler and outlines her vision for the company’s future. Feuell highlights the importance of affordability, innovation, and inclusivity as the automaker prepares for its second century.
To start, Feuell began her career as a dealer sales representative at Ford in New York, where she learned the fundamentals of dealer operations and customer problem-solving. She later played a critical role in the development of the Escape, Escape hybrid, and Edge before expanding her expertise in technology and software at Johnson Controls and Honeywell. Returning to Stellantis, she was tasked with revitalizing Chrysler in an era defined by electrification and advanced software.
Breaking barriers
Throughout her career, Feuell often faced the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry. “Women had to work a lot harder to prove that we deserve a seat at the table,” she said. By delivering results and building strong teams, she earned credibility while also mentoring women who followed. Today, she supports Stellantis employee resource groups such as Women of Stellantis and Diversibilities, and advocates for succession planning, mentorship, and supervisory roles that prepare women for executive leadership.
Looking ahead, Feuell says Chrysler’s mission is rooted in accessibility. With the average new vehicle price reaching $49,000, affordability remains out of reach for many consumers, particularly women. She points to an ambitious product pipeline, including a refreshed Pacifica minivan, the Grizzly Peak adventure-inspired concept moving toward production, and new crossover and midsize models inspired by the Halcyon concept.
"I think automotive offers a lot of tremendous opportunities for women to grow and thrive, no matter what path you choose.”
Leadership and family
Balancing leadership with family responsibilities was another defining part of Feuell’s journey. As a single parent raising twin daughters, she relied on shared calendars, family meetings, and open communication to stay on track. She now emphasizes the importance of well-being for herself and her team through activities such as outdoor pursuits, cycling, meditation, and mindfulness practices.
For women considering a career in automotive, Feuell calls the industry one of the most exciting fields of transformation. She encourages women in engineering, data science, and software to explore opportunities, noting Stellantis’ extensive mentoring and development programs.
