Just 3 days after taking the majority Ceberus introduced Bob Nardelli as Chairman and CEO of Chrysler, LaSorda set back into second row

Chrysler LLC  today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Bob Nardelli as Chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC. The Board also announced that Tom LaSorda has been appointed Vice Chairman and President of Chrysler LLC, reporting to Nardelli. “We are excited to welcome Bob to the Chrysler family,” said LaSorda. “Bob has a proven track record of success and an unwavering focus on performance, and brings deep operational experience and a broad industry background to Chrysler. His background in operations will provide valuable knowledge as we continue Chrysler’s turnaround.”

In addition, Eric Ridenour, Chief Operating Officer, has elected to leave the new company to pursue other opportunities. The COO position will not be filled going forward. "Eric gave this company 23 years of great service and leadership," said LaSorda. “We wish him well in his new pursuits."

Concurrent with the close of the Chrysler transaction on August 3, 2007, the new Board of Directors of Chrysler LLC was formed. It consists of 11 members, including Nardelli, LaSorda, representatives of Cerberus and Daimler, and independent directors.

Cerberus and Chrysler would like to thank Wolfgang Bernhard for his contributions leading to the closing of this transaction. Both Cerberus and Chrysler had looked forward to his continuing contributions as Non-Executive Chairman of Chrysler, however due to personal and family reasons he was not able to accept that role.

Cerberus has also asked, and Tom LaSorda has agreed, to serve as the Vice Chairman of Cerberus Operating and Advisory Company LLC (COAC), Cerberus’ proprietary operations advisory affiliate. In that role, LaSorda will assist in the continuing development of COAC, which works closely with the portfolio companies in which the funds and accounts managed by Cerberus are invested.

Prior to joining Chrysler, Nardelli served as Chairman, President and CEO of The Home Depot beginning in 2000. During his tenure at The Home Depot he doubled sales as well as the number of store operations; moved globally into Mexico and China; and delivered more than 20 percent earnings-per-share growth for four consecutive years while growing dividends from 16 cents to 90 cents per share. Nardelli also has extensive senior operations experience in manufacturing and transportation systems.

Nardelli received his bachelor’s degree in business from Western Illinois University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisville.