Chrysler Vice Chairman Robert Lutz to Retire
21 May 1998
Chrysler Vice Chairman Robert Lutz to Retire
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 21 -- Chrysler Corporation
announced today that Robert A. Lutz, Vice Chairman, will retire from the
Company and also leave its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 1998.
Lutz, who has been on a leave of absence from his official duties at his
request since late April, will remain on leave until his retirement to avoid
any potential conflicts of interest while pursuing post-retirement
opportunities.
Chrysler Chairman and CEO Robert J. Eaton made the announcement of
Lutz' retirement at today's annual shareholders meeting being held in
Englewood, Colorado.
"Bob has been a great leader and coach to our management team at
Chrysler," said Eaton. "His vision, product knowledge, and enthusiasm for
truly great cars and trucks, have played a key role in our product renaissance
and helped Chrysler build a strong, inclusive team that has taken this Company
to a new, higher level.
"Bob was simply one of the best and most well-rounded automotive
executives this industry has ever seen," added Eaton. "His degree may have
been in marketing, but many thought he was an engineer because of his
knowledge and understanding of what makes cars and trucks tick. He also knew
the value of a dollar and building an efficient product development structure.
"He inspired people, resulting in positive change throughout Chrysler,"
Eaton continued. "Though Bob retires today, the spirit of his unique
contributions to the people of this organization and his passion for superior
cars and trucks, will remain as this Company moves into the next millennium."
Lutz was named Vice Chairman of Chrysler Corporation on December 5, 1996.
As a Director of the Company, he focused primarily on Chrysler's product
development activities. As a member of the Office of the Chairman, he was
involved in all major decisions and has acted as coach and advisor.
Prior to this position, Lutz was President and Chief Operating Officer,
responsible for Chrysler's car and truck operations worldwide, including
International Operations. He led all of Chrysler's automotive activities
including Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Manufacturing and Procurement
and Supply. He had been President of Chrysler since January 14, 1991.
Lutz joined Chrysler on June 3, 1986 as Executive Vice President of
Chrysler Motors Corporation. He was elected to the Chrysler Corporation Board
of Directors on June 12, 1986. He was named President - Operations on January
25, 1988, and President - Chrysler Motors on November 10, 1988. Lutz is a
member of the Board of Directors of Northrop Grumman, ASCOM, a Swiss
telecommunications and electronics company, and of Silicon Graphics, Inc.
Lutz is also a member (and former Chairman) of the American Highway Users
Alliance. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Walter A. Haas School of
Business at the University of California - Berkeley.
He is a trustee of the Michigan Cancer Foundation. He also serves as a
member of the board of trustees of the U.S. Marine Corps University Foundation
and the Marine Military Academy in Harlingen, Texas.
Numerous publications have recognized the strengths of Lutz' leadership
like, Automobile Magazine naming him "Man of the Year" (1993). Automotive
Industries likewise, named him "Man of the Year" (1994). Car Magazine (UK)
named Lutz "Chrysler's Top Gun" (1996). And, Popular Mechanics featured Lutz
with one of his aircraft in "Real Men Fly Fighter Jets" (1998), to name a
few.
He received his B. S. from the University of California - Berkeley in
1961, and was a Phi Beta Kappa. He received his M.B.A., with highest honors,
from the University of California - Berkeley in 1962.
He served as an aviator in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1959
and attained the rank of Captain.