Chrysler LLC Announces Leadership Appointments in Finance and Diversity Offices

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept 03, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --


   -- Kim Harris Jones Appointed Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller
      and Auditor
   -- Laurie A. Macaddino Named Vice President - Finance Operations
   -- Steven E. Bell Appointed Director - Corporate Audit and Compliance
   -- Monica E. Emerson to Retire after 33 years
   -- Lisa J. Wicker Appointed Director - Corporate Diversity

Chrysler LLC today announced a series of leadership appointments in the Company's Finance and Diversity Offices.

Kim Harris Jones is appointed Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller and Auditor as part of an on-going initiative to streamline functions for greater organizational efficiency and drive corporate strategy. Chrysler also has named Laurie A. Macaddino Vice President - Finance Operations.

Under this structure, Harris Jones will oversee the consolidation of the Corporate Controller's office and Audit operations. She is responsible for the Company's corporate financial activities, including business planning, short- and medium-term financial forecasting as well as all internal and external audit functions.

Harris Jones was most recently Vice President and Chief Controller. She was recently named to the list of "25 Women to Watch" by CFO Magazine. In 2006, she was named the "African American Executive of the Year" by On Wheels, Inc. and in 2005 was named to the Automotive News list of "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry." She joined Chrysler in 1992.

In her new role, Macaddino is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles produced and sold by Chrysler meet financial requirements, including cost, investment and profitability. Macaddino is also responsible for overseeing Manufacturing, Engineering, Research and Development budgets. Macaddino formerly was Vice President - Corporate Audit and Compliance. She joined the Company in 1986.

Also in the Finance organization, Steven E. Bell was appointed Director - Corporate Audit and Compliance. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day internal and external audit functions, including financial, operational, and process audits, dealer and supplier audits, business ethics, compliance operations and fraud and forensic investigations. Bell joined the Company in 1988.

"Today's announcement allows us to maximize the talents of our management team," said Ronald E. Kolka, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chrysler LLC. "Both Kim and Laurie are strong leaders who have made valuable contributions to this Company. Both are strategic thinkers with a keen sense of financial control. In their new roles they will bring a laser focus to their respective areas."

Chrysler LLC also announced today that Monica E. Emerson, Executive Director - Corporate Diversity Office has decided to retire after 33 years with the Company. With Emerson's departure, Chrysler has named Lisa J. Wicker, Director - Corporate Diversity.

"Monica has been a true leader and champion in developing Chrysler's diversity and inclusion in the workplace strategy," said Nancy Rae, Executive Vice President - Human Recourses and Communications, Chrysler LLC. "Through Monica's efforts, the Company has been honored at the highest level -- we thank her for her contributions and wish her the best in her retirement; and, have every confidence that Lisa will continue this legacy."

Emerson has received several honors including the Leadership in Diversity Award by the Career Communication Group. Recently, she was named to Savoy Professional Magazine's "Top 100 Blacks in Corporate America."

As Director - Corporate Diversity, Wicker will be responsible for the overall design, development and deployment of Chrysler's corporate diversity strategies. This includes facilitating short and long term strategies for implementing cultural change in all aspects of how the Company leverages diversity for a competitive advantage throughout its entire business enterprise. In addition, she will be responsible for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Compliance and Governance and Work/Life Policies and Programs.

Wicker joined the Company in 2001 and most recently was Senior Manager - Manufacturing Group HR, Stamping and Components.

Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep(R), Dodge and Mopar(R) brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the Company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

SOURCE Chrysler LLC