DaimlerChrysler Product Design Director Ralph Gilles Named to Black Enterprise Hot List

- Ralph V. Gilles of DaimlerChrysler named one of America's most powerful players under 40 by Black Enterprise - The "Hot List" profiles bold, young innovators who are transforming the world of business, entertainment, media, sports, science and politics - Article to be featured in December issue of Black Enterprise

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 30 -- Ralph V. Gilles, Chrysler Group Director - Truck Exterior and Interior Design Studio, has been named to Black Enterprise magazine's "Hot List: America's Most Powerful Players Under 40," to be featured in the December 2005 issue.

The list profiles bold, young innovators who are transforming the world of business, entertainment, media, sports, science and politics. Gilles is being recognized as an extraordinary professional in the African American community.

"As the only individual recognized from the automotive industry, Black Enterprise has acknowledged Gilles as a major influencer of automotive design," said Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President - Human Resources, Chrysler Group. "It is a great honor to have Black Enterprise recognize Gilles for his contributions to the Chrysler Group and the African American community."

Gilles, named to his current position earlier this year, was also the lead designer of the Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300C and Dodge Charger. In addition, he was the director of the M80 concept vehicle, and was the primary interior designer for the Dodge Viper GTS/R, Dodge ESX2 and Jeep(R) Jeepster concept vehicles. He also contributed to production versions of the 2003 Dodge Viper and 2002 Jeep Liberty. In his spare time, Gilles serves as a part-time instructor at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit.

In addition to being named to Black Enterprise's "Hot List," in 2005 Gilles received the Innovation Award from NV magazine, the "N'Design" award for artistry at the N'Digo Foundation Gala and the President's Award at the "Black Engineer of the Year" awards ceremony.

Others named to the 2005 list include: Shawn D. Baldwin, CEO, Capital Management Group Securities; Sean "Diddy" Combs, chairman & CEO, Bad Boy Entertainment; Susan Chapman, global head of operations, Citigroup Realty Services; Beyonce Knowles, singer and actress; Sam Martin, vice president, HBO Films; Soledad O'Brien, anchor and reporter, American Morning, CNN; Will Smith, producer, actor, Overbook Entertainment; H. Philip Salmon, vice president, corporate treasure MetLife and Tiger Woods, professional golfer.

In June 2005, Black Enterprise selected DaimlerChrysler as one of its 30 Best Companies for Diversity.

Since 1970, Black Enterprise has been the premier business and investment resource for African Americans, providing business advice and information to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs and decision makers. The magazine has a monthly circulation of 3.8 million readers and is considered an authority for business news and trends.