Automotive News
October 20, 2008 - 12:01 am ET

Gilles: Chrysler design chief

Chrysler's new design boss, Ralph Gilles, and veteran supplier executive Kathleen Ligocki will be featured speakers at the 33rd Automotive News World Congress in Detroit.

Gilles will speak Wednesday evening, Jan. 21. Ligocki will speak Tuesday morning, Jan. 20.

Gilles, who is famed for leading the styling of the 2005 Chrysler 300, was appointed vice president of design for Chrysler LLC in September. Previously, he led design for Jeep and trucks. Gilles oversaw styling of the new Dodge Ram pickup, debuting this fall.

In August, Ligocki was named CEO of GS Motors, a subsidiary of Grupo Salinas, of Mexico City. GS plans to produce Chinese-designed cars at a plant to be built in Mexico City with China's First Automobile Works.

Before moving to GS, Ligocki was CEO of Tower Automotive. She led the supplier through a Chapter 11 restructuring that culminated in a reorganization plan and the sale of the company to Cerberus Capital Management LP.

Ligocki previously held a variety of senior positions at Ford Motor Co., including CEO of Ford of Mexico from 2000 to 2001.

Key facts When: Jan. 19-22 Where: Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center Cost: $1,495 early registration fee by Dec. 1 (save $200); daily fee $850 Information: 313-446-0485 or autonews.com/worldcongress Exclusive lead sponsors: PricewaterhouseCoopers and IBM