Even if a company’s primary commitment is to be financially sound and ensure economic viability to all stakeholders, at Fiat Group, integration of economic decisions with those of a social and environmental nature constitutes a commitment that is fundamental to the creation of long-term value. This awareness is rooted in the Group’s history and corporate culture and has evolved and strengthened over the years, becoming an integral part of the strategic approach that guides the business. Fiat’s approach to business is, in fact, shaped by a culture of acting responsibly and the conviction that industrial development only has value if it is also sustainable.
Chrysler Group, part of Fiat Group since June 2011, is equally committed to the principles of sustainability and has a formal organizational structure and processes dedicated to promoting sustainable development and values. Consistent with the operational integration of Chrysler Group, Chrysler’s sustainability activities and commitments for the future are aligned with those of Fiat Group.
Sustainability management involves several entities within the organization.
The Sustainability Unit (SU), plays a key role in promoting a culture of sustainability within the Group, facilitates the process of continuous improvement, and contributes to risk management, cost optimization and enhancement of the company reputation with stakeholders. The Sustainability Unit interacts with the individuals responsible for operational management of key issues (e.g., environment, energy, innovation, human resources, etc.) within each sector and central function, supporting them in identifying principal areas for action. The SU also manages relationships with sustainability rating agencies, analysts and international organizations.
The Cross-Functional Sustainability Committee (CSC), consisting of representatives of the principal functions at the central and sector level (Business Development, Corporate Communications, Engineering & Design, Finance, GEC Coordinator, Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Institutional Relations, Internal Audit, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Senior Counsel, Treasurer) promotes and evaluates operational decisions and plays an advisory role for proposals submitted to the Group Executive Council (GEC) by the SU.
The Group Executive Council (GEC), the decision-making body headed by the Fiat S.p.A.’s CEO and composed of the CEOs of the operating sectors, the heads of each of the Group’s operating regions and various functional heads, defines the strategic approach, approves the guidelines and evaluates the alignment of the Sustainability Plan with business objectives. The GEC is periodically updated on the status of projects and the Group’s overall performance on sustainability issues.
The Nominating, Corporate Governance and Sustainability Committee (a sub-committee of the Board of Directors) evaluates proposals related to strategic guidelines on sustainability-related issues, presenting opinions to the Board of Directors as necessary, and reviews the annual Sustainability Report.
