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Gilles and Paretta: The SRT “Dream Team”
It’s official! Beth Paretta has made the switch from English automaker Aston Martin to Detroit-based Chrysler. That means she will be teaming up with the brand’s SRT head honcho, Ralph Gilles, who recently transitioned into this role.
First, a little background.
In 2010, I worked for Chrysler at its social media agency of record here in the D.C. area. While there, I was assigned to work on Dodge’s strategy for its programs and vehicle launches, including events like the Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. While there, I had the opportunity to spend some time getting to know Ralph Gilles, who then served as Dodge’s CEO.
This summer, I had the chance to meet Beth Paretta at a local Aston Martin dealer event. I blogged about that experience here. We’ve since stayed in contact, so when I learned that she would be teaming up with Ralph, I couldn’t help but get excited.
As someone who has witnessed Chrysler from the inside, and who understands how far they have come and the challenges they still face, this pairing gets me fired up for what is to come from the company’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand.
Paretta has a history of success and dedication in the automotive world.
Beth Paretta is one of those people who sets the bar high and puts her stamp of quality on whatever role comes her way. Having worked in the automotive industry in multiple facets – from selling Hondas to running East Coast operations for Aston Martin – Paretta has made a name for herself within the community, even earning a spot in AutoWeek’s list of 10 Secret People in 2009.
In a recent email exchange, Beth kindly elaborated on her new endeavor as Director of Marketing and Operations for SRT & Motorsports:
I’m excited about the opportunity at SRT & Motorsports at Chrysler Group. All of the cars – 300, Challenger, Charger, Grand Cherokee – are so exciting and we are awaiting the arrival of the new Viper.
-Beth Paretta, Director of Marketing and Operations, SRT & Motorsports
SRT’s much-needed Dream Team
While Paretta is certainly an asset to the SRT brand, it’s really the coupling of her with Ralph Gilles that I believe will catapult the brand to the next level. Both Gilles and Paretta share a zeal for motorsports and the industry overall.
I look forward to seeing what the SRT “Dream Team” concocts in the coming months. Hopefully we will witness Chrysler’s mainstream brands rising amongst the competition thanks to this incredible duo.
Related articles
- Video: Ralph Gilles talks about SRT’s mission (autoblog.com)
- Report: Dodge Durango SRT8 may happen for 2013 [w/poll] (autoblog.com)
- Dodge Charger SRT8, 2012 (newgalaxy93.wordpress.com)
- 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR grabs Nurburgring production car lap record (slashgear.com)
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Great story Mel! While I’m all for a standalone branded performance division and the splendid power delivery it brings, I can’t help but shake this feeling Dodge might have been better served by grooming Ralph for bigger and better things.
When he was moved from Dodge and into SRT people speculated it was because he lacked the business know-how and Dodge’s numbers weren’t good. If that was the case, it was extremely shortsighted. I think people like Ralph Gilles are essential to building a brand. That amped passionate car-guy (or gal) attitude is priceless in an executive. Albeit sometimes dangerous if not kept in check – 1,000 Viper anyone?
I say it’s time the Dan Ackerson’s of the world take the backseat. They can inhabit in a dark room away from the media punching numbers and calculating ROIs. We need more people like Ralph and Beth in the public beating the drum for their brand.
For example, people say, “Oh, Mark Reuss is a big car guy” Really? I wouldn’t know that by listening to him speak. Ralph on the other hand gets excited talking about cars, performance and design. These exactly the kind of fringe fanatics the auto industry seems to be short on…or are doing a good job of relegating them to niche brands.