DaimlerChrysler Announces the Retirement of Automotive Design Icon Thomas C. Gale
27 September 2000
DaimlerChrysler Announces the Retirement of Automotive Design Icon Thomas C. Gale
PARIS, Sept. 27 DaimlerChrysler today announced that after
a thirty-three year career that included distinguished service in the area of
Product Development and Design and membership on the Board of Management of
DaimlerChrysler AG, Thomas C. Gale has announced his intention to retire at
the end of the year.
"As many of my close friends and colleagues know, I have been
contemplating retirement for some time. When Jim Holden took his position as
President, I agreed to stay on and see the future product plan through, while
continuing to build the team to succeed me. Now that both of those processes
are complete and we're in to the next phase of development, it's time for me
to step back and spend more time with my family," said Gale. "Although I am
retiring, I'm pleased to say that Jim has asked me to continue in an advisory
role for another two years."
Juergen E. Schrempp, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG said, "Tom has made a
great contribution to DaimlerChrysler beyond his design responsibilities. As
a Board of Management member, he challenged us to think differently, and like
all strong leaders, he built a solid team. We are confident that with Rich
Schaum and Trevor Creed, he has put competent successors in place."
"Tom is an icon in the automobile industry and a close friend. While he
will surely be missed, he has built a great team to carry on the legacy," said
James P. Holden, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Corporation and Board of
Management Member, DaimlerChrysler AG. "Tom has mentored a wide group of
people -- especially in design -- and institutionalized his risk-embracing,
forward-thinking attitude which has become part of the fabric of this
company's culture."
Best known for leading a series of concept, and later production vehicle
introductions that began to change the Chrysler and Dodge brands from
conservative, boxy-styled automobiles to more aggressive, clean and forward-
looking vehicles, Gale and his team introduced the "cab-forward" design
architecture to mainstream automobiles. He began his career at Chrysler in
1967 as a Body Engineer in the Engineering Office.
"Tom and his team created the Chrysler look -- he wanted our products to
be in his words, remarkable," said Holden. "So while he's slowing down from
the 24-7 schedule his position has demanded, it doesn't mean that we'll be
without his counsel moving forward -- Tom will maintain an advisory role with
the Chrysler Group for the next two years."
After his retirement, Gale will open a design consulting business and work
with the Chrysler Group. He also plans to consult on the automotive
aftermarket.
Gale's engineering and product development responsibilities are reassigned
to Richard O. Schaum.
Schaum is appointed Executive Vice President - Product Development and
Quality & General Manager - Passenger Car Operations. Both he and Trevor M.
Creed, recently appointed Senior Vice President - Design, will continue to
report to Gale through the end of the year. Upon Gale's retirement, both will
report directly to Holden.
In his new position, Schaum is responsible for all matters pertaining to
Platform Engineering, Engineering Technologies, Regulatory Affairs, Product
Planning and Quality for DaimlerChrysler Corporation (DCC).
Reporting to Schaum are Susan M. Cischke, Senior Vice President -
Regulatory Affairs & General Manager - Passenger Car Operations, and Bernard
I. Robertson, Senior Vice President - Engineering Technologies & General
Manager Truck Operations. Also reporting to Schaum in his new capacity is
Eric R. Ridenour, Vice President - Product Planning.
Schaum's replacement as Senior Vice President - Platform Engineering and
Quality & General Manager - Power Train Operations will be named at a later
date.