Ex-Home Depot chief Nardelli to head Chrysler
DETROIT -- Chrysler began its new life as a private company on Monday with auto-industry outsider Bob Nardelli taking the wheel.
Nardelli, who left Home Depot in January after a shareholder rebellion over his pay, was named to head the company, replacing Tom LaSorda, who is taking the No. 2 slot.
"What I bring is a fresh set of eyes," Nardelli said at a press conference. "A new perspective, if you will. As I've indicated, I am not from the automotive industry, so it's important to know what you know and to know what you don't know."
Nardelli and LaSorda shared a handshake and posed for pictures during a celebratory event at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills.
"We'll move forward with speed and a renewed focus on meeting the needs of our customers," Nardelli said.
"We are excited to welcome Bob to the Chrysler family," LaSorda said in a statement. "Bob has a proven track record of success and an unwavering focus on performance."
"I've heard about him, I've read about him, he's kind of a legend," LaSorda said at the press conference. "You can read about him all over the place. He's a winner."
Some wondered what effect Nardelli's hiring would have on ongoing contract talks with the United Auto Workers, but Nardelli was quick to point out Monday that union President Ron Gettelfinger already has been contacted about the executive shake-up at Chrysler.
LaSorda had been widely expected to stay on as Chrysler's CEO through negotiations on replacing a four-year deal on wages and benefits for UAW-represented workers that expires on Sept. 14.
Nardelli said he and LaSorda spent two hours with Gettelfinger and "had a great exchange with one another."
LaSorda, Chrysler LLC's newly named president and vice chairman, still will be at the forefront of "what could be a landmark negotiating period" not only for Chrysler, but for the auto industry, Nardelli said.
Chrysler also said Monday that following a nine-year hiatus, the Pentastar is coming back as the corporate mark for the company. First used as a logo in 1962, the five-pointed star is returning with a three-dimensional update. The symbol will be used on buildings, signs and corporate stationery.
