Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has recruited a former Infiniti executive to lead the valuable Jeep brand's global team, even as its head of passenger cars, Steve Beahm, is retiring.

Christian Meunier is immediately leaving his position as chairman and global president for Infiniti Motor Co. Ltd. — Nissan Motor Co.'s luxury brand — to become Jeep's global president, FCA said in a Tuesday statement. He also will hold a seat on FCA's governing Group Executive Council.

Meunier's abrupt departure from Nissan comes as legendary Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn faces criminal charges in Japan, sending the 20-year-old Renault-Nissan alliance into transnational turmoil. Meunier also leaves Infiniti less than five months after he was elevated to the chief role for the luxury brand. Prior to Nissan, Meunier held sales and marketing positions at Ford Motor Co., Land Rover and Mercedes Benz in Europe and in the United States

Beahm retired last week, spokeswoman Shawn Morgan confirmed. In North America, he led the parts, services and customer care business Mopar as well as the passenger car division, which includes Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat.

Mark Bosanac takes over Mopar in North America. Previously, he was head of supply chain management and global parts supply chain management and operations in North America. FCA has not selected a new head of passenger cars.

nnaughton@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @NoraNaughton