DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Retires
4 December 1998
DaimlerChrysler Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Retires
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 4 -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation
announced today the retirement of Dennis K. Pawley, Executive Vice
President, Manufacturing.
He retires effective January 31, 1999, after serving as Executive Vice
President of Manufacturing since 1991.
"Dennis has done an outstanding job for us," said Robert J. Eaton,
Chairman, DaimlerChrysler. "He's the ultimate manufacturing leader. His
ability to lead change is unparalleled in today's manufacturing environment.
His Operating System has solidly taken hold in the DaimlerChrysler Corporation
manufacturing environment.
"In addition, his progressive relationship with the United Auto Workers
and Canadian Auto Workers was visionary in its honesty and integrity. He will
be missed."
"During the merger talks, I got to know Dennis as an outstanding
professional in manufacturing and labor relations and I am truly sorry that he
is going to leave DaimlerChrysler," said Juergen Schrempp, Chairman,
DaimlerChrysler. "However, I wish him great success in his new ventures and I
expect our association with him will continue so we can benefit from his
invaluable years of experience."
Pawley oversees DaimlerChrysler Corporation's car and truck assembly
plants, along with its manufacturing technical centers and component, stamping
and power train plants in the United States and Canada. In addition, he has
responsibility for power train and stamping operations in Mexico and is in
charge of DaimlerChrysler Corporation joint venture manufacturing
relationships abroad. He is also responsible for all labor relations
activities in North America and serves as a member of DaimlerChrysler's
Management Board.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation's North American manufacturing organization
comprises more than 80,000 hourly and salary employees.
"Let me put one thing to rest right now -- this move has nothing
whatsoever to do with the merger of Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corporation,"
said Pawley. "I have said repeatedly that I wish I were ten years younger,
because I believe there is incredible opportunity and potential, both
professionally for individuals and for the combined business enterprise, in
the new DaimlerChrysler.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 34 years in the manufacturing arena. The
years at Chrysler have been the most rewarding. I hope the Operating System
continues to evolve and becomes even more ingrained in the manufacturing
culture of the new Company. If so, I will know I have contributed something
to the long-term success of DaimlerChrysler. In addition, I'd also like to
thank the leadership and general membership of the United Auto Workers and
Canadian Auto Workers for their support and commitment over the years in
helping DaimlerChrysler Corporation become a worldwide leader in
manufacturing."
Pawley is forming a partnership with Performance Learning, Inc., a Las
Vegas, Nevada-based corporate training firm headed by Dr. Donald J. Steele.
In addition, he is also affiliating Performance Learning, Inc., with Ronald E.
Harbour, President of Harbour and Associates, a Troy, Mich.-based
manufacturing management consulting and automotive research firm.
Pawley will become co-owner, President and Chief Operating Officer of
Performance Learning, Inc.
"Most people who know me understand that I have wanted to give something
back to my profession and to American business for some time. I want to
teach, counsel, coach manufacturing and labor strategies and human motivation
beyond the auto industry. This move provides me that opportunity. I have
been very fortunate in my career. It's just time to repay some of that good
fortune."