Jason Vines, Chrysler's Vice President of Communications, a.k.a. Chysler's Press Guru, a.k.a. the man tasked with yelling back at Maximum Lutz, has stepped down today, according to the company. What this all means isn't immediately certain, as we haven't seen the press release from another manufacturer stating that they've just hired Jason Vines. But we're happy to reuse this picture from our coverage of the Dodge-Peta fiasco Vines was tasked to handle. Look for conspiracy theories later in the day. In the meantime, sort of meaningless corporate speak below the jump:
Jason H. Vines Resigns as Vice President-Communications at Chrysler LLC Company Realigns Corporate Communications Department
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 10 - Chrysler LLC today announced that Jason H. Vines, its Vice President-Communications has elected to resign and, therefore, the company is announcing a realignment of its Corporate Communications Department.
"Now that Chrysler is an independent company again, we are taking every opportunity to realign functions in a more holistic manner that allows us to more effectively drive company strategy," said Bob Nardelli, Chairman and CEO. "As part of this realignment, the corporate communications function will now report to Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President-Human Resources."
Several executives in the corporate communications department will report directly to Rae. David Barnas, who has been in the corporate communications department for six years, will be responsible for internal and corporate communications, which includes dealing with the news media.
Vines' resignation is effective immediately, although he has agreed to remain at Chrysler through the end of December to assist in the transition. "Jason has served Chrysler well, and we are very grateful for his many contributions over the years," said Nardelli.
Vines began his career at Chrysler Corporation in 1983, serving first as an economics researcher in the Labor Relations Department and later through various assignments in Employee Communications and Public Relations. He left Chrysler in 1998 and became Vice President-Communications for Nissan North America. In February 2000, he was appointed Vice President-Communications for Ford Motor Company. He returned to Chrysler in 2003 as Vice President- Communications.
"This was a tough decision, considering the many talented, longtime friends I have throughout the company," Vines said. "I wish them all the best and will continue to root for them."
Mike Aberlich, who has served the company as Director, Corporate and Internal Communications, also announced last week that he has decided to retire at the end of this year. "We thank Mike for his dedication and contributions to the company," Nardelli added.
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2006 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest in a decade with an increase of 15 percent over 2005. On the heels of the company's record product launch last year (Chrysler launched 10 all-new vehicles in 2006), the company extended that streak with eight all-new products in 2007. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander and Dodge Charger. Chrysler is a unit of Cerberus Capital Management. [Source: Chrysler]