David McDonald was appointed head of customer experience – North America on July 1, 2022. He had been head of global safety, as part of the physical and functional design & integration (PFDI) organization.

McDonald’s appointment marks a return to the customer experience arena, having previously held two quality-related positions, most recently director – manufacturing quality.

He also has extensive experience in program management, having led multiple model-year introductions of vehicles ranging from the Dodge Challenger SRT to Jeep® Grand Cherokee.

He joined the company in 1993 as an engineering graduate-in-training. His work and academic background includes:

• 2022, Global Head of PFDI Safety
• 2020, Director – Manufacturing Quality
• 2017, Director – Current Production Quality
• 2013, Model Responsible – Jeep Grand Cherokee/Dodge Durango
• 2009, Model Responsible – Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300 SRT
• 2008, Senior Manager – Chassis Engineering (Jeep)
• 2006, Manager – Business Strategy
• 2005, Supervisor – Ram 1500 Vehicle Development
• 2001, Supervisor – Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider Program Management
• 2000, Supervisor – Small Car Suspension
• 1995, Product Engineer, Small Car Suspension

McDonald has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University, and two master’s degrees from the University of Michigan – one in mechanical engineering and the other in business administration.
 
Originally from Pittsburgh, McDonald is married with two sons and a daughter.