CCS Alumnus joins Board of Trustees

Ralph Gilles (ID-TR ’92) has joined the College for Creative Studies Board of Trustees. Gilles holds the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Car Brand, as well as Product Design Senior Vice President, at Chrysler Group LLC. He has been with Chrysler since 1992, when he joined the company as a designer. Over the past 18 years, Gilles has risen through Chrysler’s ranks, even as the company transitioned through multiple owners and CEOs.

Gilles is extremely active inside and outside the company. He serves as the executive sponsor of the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN), in addition to playing a leading role with the Chrysler Global Diversity Council. He also serves on the boards of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum and the Osteopathic Hospital Regional Medical Center in Pontiac.

An avid car enthusiast who enjoys spending time at the track, go-karting and watching Formula 1 auto racing, Gilles has participated in the Targa Newfoundland Rally and the Car and Driver One Lap of America. In addition, he has frequently served as a judge at Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook and Cranbrook Concours events, along with the EyesOn Design car show. Gilles has earned numerous academic and industry awards, including: The Michigan State University Eli Broad Graduate School of Management Young Alumni Achievement Award; The Automotive Hall of Fame Young Leadership & Excellence Award; NV Magazine Innovation Award; Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award, and N’Digo Foundation N’Design Award. In addition to his CCS degree, he holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University (2002).