CHRYSLER DEPUTY chief executive officer Jim Press, who joined the struggling US car firm two years ago from Toyota, is to leave the company soon, according to people familiar with his plans.
Press, 62, has been leading the American firm through its transition from bankruptcy under the watchful eyes of new owner’s Fiat. His departure will leave a significant gap in Chrysler’s US-based management structure.
Press earned industry recognition for leading Toyota in its rise to become one of the leading brands in the US. He was also the first non-Japanese member of the firm’s overall board and was reportedly popular with dealers during his time at Toyota.
His move to Chrysler came as a surprise to many at the time.