Nancy Rae, Chrysler Group Head of Human Resources Recognized as Leading HR Executive

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 8, 2003 -- Nancy Rae, Chrysler Group Senior Vice President-Human Resources, has been recognized as one of America's leading corporate human resources executives by Human Resource Executive Magazine. Rae is one of four individuals honored with the prestigious HR Honor Roll Award for leadership and contributions to the human resources profession.

"Today's automotive marketplace makes work life more challenging for employees which in turn, means the job of human resources is even more critical," said Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler Group President and CEO. "Nancy has been able to apply innovative HR initiatives that have helped further morale and increase productivity and efficiency at every level throughout our company, even in these trying times."

According to David Shadovitz, Editor, Human Resource Executive Magazine, award recipients were selected based on their ability to handle significant problems or obstacles in the human resource field, demonstrated success in establishing human resources as an integral corporate function and management skills as demonstrated within the human resource function.

"The judges were extremely impressed by Nancy Rae's achievements since taking over the HR helm at Chrysler Group," said Shadovitz. "They were especially impressed by her ability to gain knowledge through her multifaceted tenure at the automaker and apply it to the various challenges she's faced as the head of Human Resources. The leadership she's demonstrated can serve as a model for others in HR to follow."

A veteran of human resources, Rae began her career at the Chrysler Corporation in 1978 as an interviewer in the company's Human Resources department. Since that time, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, culminating with her appointment in 2000 as the head of Human Resources. In this role, she is responsible for the design and implementation of staffing, development, diversity, compensation and benefit programs, human resource systems, corporate and special security services, and process management for the company's 97,000 employees.

Under Rae's leadership, the human resources team at Chrysler Group has gained a significant presence on the DaimlerChrysler AG Global Human Resources Strategy Team, which is comprised of representatives from each of the corporation's global divisions and business units. The team participates in the company's annual strategic business discussions and helps guide the corporation's medium- and long-range plans.

One of the achievements that helped earn Rae the HR Honor Roll Award is related to the use of technology in the workplace. Under Rae's direction, an employee portal called "Dashboard Anywhere" was launched in March 2002. This internet tool enables the company to communicate with all of its employees, providing not only personalized benefit information and self-service capabilities, but extensive product information and corporate news. Dashboard Anywhere has literally become the preferred employee communication tool for the entire company. According to Rae, this technology promotes flexibility and balance in the workplace.

Additionally, Rae is recognized for helping create innovative approaches to address rising healthcare costs. In January 2001, the Chrysler Group launched the DaimlerChrysler National Supplier Pharmacy Buy Partnership Program. This initiative helped reduce the cost of prescription drugs for both the company and its participating suppliers.

Rae credits Chrysler's HR team as a major factor in the corporation's accomplishments. "Our goal is to create a winning corporate culture that addresses changing needs in a challenging business environment."

Human Resource Executive Magazine is the premier publication focused on strategic issues in HR. Written primarily for vice presidents and directors of human resources, the magazine provides these key decision makers with news, profiles of HR visionaries, and success stories of human resource innovators. Other recipients of the 2003 Honor Roll Award include Terry M. Faulk, Kraft Foods; Rob Norton, Pfizer Inc.; and Sherry Whiteley, Intuit Inc.