Chrysler Announces IT Executive Appointment

- Chrysler's Information Technology Management organization now led by top female executive within the automotive industry

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Sept. 5 -- Chrysler LLC confirmed today its leadership plans for the company's Information Technology Management (ITM) organization. Effective immediately, Jan A. Bertsch leads the ITM organization as Vice President and CIO for Chrysler. Previously, Bertsch held the position of CIO for Chrysler Group and Mercedes-Benz in North America.

"Chrysler's ITM team is world-class and an innovator of information technology," said Bertsch. "By collaborating with our operational partners, we will continue to support the recovery and transformation of Chrysler."

Bertsch blazed a trail as a female executive in the automotive industry. She joined DaimlerChrysler in 2001 as Vice President of Finance for Chrysler Group's Global Sales and Marketing organization. She spent 22 years with Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation, where she held numerous positions, including Assistant Treasurer of Ford Motor Company and Treasurer of Visteon Corporation.

As one of the few women in the auto industry to head up a global information technology organization, Bertsch is responsible for directing Chrysler's worldwide systems and computer hardware strategy, systems applications development, data center operations and telecommunications network operations. She reports to Ron Kolka, Chrysler's Chief Financial Officer.

Bertsch was named to the 2005 Automotive News list of the "100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry." She holds a number of board positions with non-profit organizations, including Wayne State University School of Medicine, the Chrysler Women's Forum, among others.