Chrysler’s new CEO: What I bring is a fresh set of eyes

Chrysler’s new CEO, Robert Nardelli, made his debut yesterday at the company’s Auburn Hills headquarters where he was welcomed by Tom LaSorda and others. The ex Home Depot CEO is known for his aggressive style but has no background in the automotive industry. Nonetheless, Chrysler is hoping he’ll bring a new perspective to the company.

“We are excited to welcome Bob to the Chrysler family,” LaSorda said in a statement issued late Sunday night. “Bob has a proven track record of success and an unwavering focus on performance, and brings deep operational experience and a broad industry background to Chrysler.”

Nardelli hopes that, as a privately held company, Chrysler
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w209w114 - 8/7/2007 2:19:28 PM

+1 Boost

Putting someone that knows nothing about cars as a CEO does NOT seem like a good idea. However, Im sure any change will leave the company better off than how it is now.

chuck717 - 8/7/2007 5:23:01 PM

+1 Boost

You didn't have good eyes at Home depot guy matter of fact you were blind to everything from lousy customer service to bad employee's. The only thing that lit up your eyes was the buy out package?

Designer1 - 8/7/2007 5:39:55 PM

+1 Boost

Lord have mercy on our Chrysler. Lets take this simple example, if you have a farming company then you hire people that know about farming industry, if you have a software company you hire people that know about technology, if you have a car company shouldn't you hire people that know about car industry??

The last time I walked into a HomeDepo I didn't see them selling cars, but who knows maybe from now on they will?

EnnNorak - 8/7/2007 8:45:17 PM

+1 Boost

I prefer a car guy heading up my car supplier but in all fairness, the new guy just has to have extraordinary management skills and ability to motivate the car guys within the organization. What worries me is that this particular new guy is a cost cutter and could cheapen the product by beating up on suppliers who will respond with el cheapo components.

JWalkerLegrande - 8/8/2007 8:59:37 AM

+1 Boost

Chrysler is going down, with or w/o Mr. HomeDepot. I hope Jeep will be sold to a new owner though.

EnnNorak - 8/8/2007 12:27:20 PM

+1 Boost

I too want Jeep to be sold before Chrysler folds. I want it sold to GM who can do wonders with the brand.