Tim Fallon: Senior Vice President and Head of North America Manufacturing at Stellantis
When it comes to automotive manufacturing leadership in the United States, one name that continues to stand out is Tim Fallon. With a career spanning over two decades, Fallon has built a reputation for operational excellence, people-focused leadership, and the ability to transform manufacturing systems for world-class automakers. Today, as Senior Vice President and Head of North America Manufacturing at Stellantis, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of automotive production in the region.
This article explores his career journey, education, leadership style, and impact on the automotive industry. By the end, you’ll have a full picture of who Tim Fallon is and why his career trajectory is important for both Stellantis and the broader manufacturing world.
Early Career Foundations of Tim Fallon
Engineering Start at Babcock & Wilcox
Before becoming a household name in automotive leadership, Tim Fallon began his professional career as a Field Service Engineer at Babcock & Wilcox. Between 2002 and 2005, he developed technical problem-solving skills and gained hands-on experience with large-scale engineering projects. This role provided a strong foundation in industrial operations and engineering reliability.
Career Growth at Nissan Motor Corporation
One of the most influential chapters of Tim Fallon’s career was his 16-year journey at Nissan Motor Corporation, where he climbed the ranks from an engineer to a senior executive. His tenure with Nissan highlighted his ability to adapt, grow, and lead in a highly competitive automotive environment.
Engineer to Manager: Building Technical and Leadership Skills
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Engineer – Body Process (2005–2010): Fallon entered Nissan as a body process engineer in Smyrna, Tennessee.
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Manager, Production – Body Assembly (2010–2012): Within five years, he earned his first managerial role, leading production teams in body assembly.
Senior Manager and Director Roles: Leadership in Action
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Senior Manager, Production – Body Assembly (2012–2014)
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Director / Plant Manager – Body Assembly (2014–2017)
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Director / Plant Manager – Paint & Plastics Manufacturing & Engineering (2017–2019)
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Director / Plant Manager – Trim & Chassis Assembly (2019–2020)
These roles refined his ability to manage large teams, implement process improvements, and ensure manufacturing quality across multiple departments.
Vice President at Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant
From 2020 to early 2022, Fallon served as Vice President of Manufacturing at Nissan’s Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Mississippi. This was one of his most significant leadership responsibilities at Nissan, where he managed operations for one of the company’s most important facilities in North America. His success at Canton marked him as a rising star in global automotive manufacturing.
Leadership at Rivian
Joining the EV Pioneer
In February 2022, Tim Fallon transitioned to the electric vehicle sector by joining Rivian as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. His timing was crucial—Rivian was scaling up its Normal, Illinois plant to meet rising demand for electric trucks and SUVs.
Achievements at Rivian
At Rivian, Fallon:
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Oversaw manufacturing operations during a time of rapid expansion.
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Introduced lean processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
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Helped optimize supply chain and production scalability.
His contributions at Rivian were vital in bridging the gap between startup innovation and high-volume automotive production.
Tim Fallon at Stellantis
Appointment as Senior Vice President
In September 2024, Stellantis appointed Tim Fallon as Senior Vice President and Head of North America Manufacturing. Based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, he now leads manufacturing operations across Stellantis’ North American plants. His appointment came at a pivotal time, as Stellantis pushes to expand its electric vehicle lineup while balancing traditional combustion engine production.
Strategic Role in Stellantis’ Future
As head of North America Manufacturing, Fallon is responsible for:
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Overseeing all Stellantis manufacturing plants in the region.
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Driving operational excellence, safety, and workforce productivity.
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Guiding Stellantis through the transition to electric vehicle mass production.
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Ensuring compliance with quality standards and environmental goals.
This role positions him as one of the most influential executives within Stellantis’ global strategy.
Education of Tim Fallon
Education has been a cornerstone of Tim Fallon’s career success. His academic background gave him both the technical and managerial skills required for leadership.
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Colorado School of Mines (1997–2001): Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a Mechanical Specialty.
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Middle Tennessee State University (2009–2011): Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Operations Management and Supervision.
He was also inducted into prestigious honor societies such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Golden Key International Honor Society, recognizing his academic excellence.
Leadership Style and Values
Focus on People and Performance
Colleagues describe Tim Fallon as a leader who balances technical expertise with people-focused management. His leadership style emphasizes:
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Continuous improvement in manufacturing systems.
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Operational efficiency through lean practices.
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Team empowerment to encourage innovation on the production floor.
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Workforce safety as a top priority in all operations.
Experience Across Traditional and EV Manufacturing
Fallon’s rare combination of experience in both legacy automotive manufacturing (Nissan) and next-generation EV production (Rivian) makes him uniquely qualified to lead Stellantis during a transitional era in the industry.
Tim Fallon’s Impact on the Automotive Industry
The automotive sector is at a historic turning point, with electric vehicles reshaping how cars are designed, produced, and sold. Tim Fallon is at the forefront of this transformation. His ability to merge large-scale production expertise with the agility of EV startups makes him a valuable leader for Stellantis.
By leading Stellantis’ North American manufacturing operations, Fallon directly influences:
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EV production expansion across the United States.
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Sustainability initiatives in automotive manufacturing.
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Global competitiveness of Stellantis in the North American market.
Future Outlook
As Stellantis accelerates its EV strategy, the challenges ahead are immense. Labor negotiations, supply chain disruptions, and consumer demand shifts will test manufacturing leaders. However, with his blend of technical depth, operational management, and strategic foresight, Tim Fallon is well-positioned to steer Stellantis toward a successful future.
Conclusion
From his early days as an engineer at Babcock & Wilcox to his current role as Senior Vice President, Head of North America Manufacturing at Stellantis, Tim Fallon’s journey exemplifies dedication, growth, and leadership. His career path through Nissan, Rivian, and now Stellantis highlights the evolution of manufacturing leadership in a rapidly changing industry.
In the years ahead, Fallon’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping Stellantis’ North American manufacturing footprint and ensuring the company’s success in the global shift toward electrification.
