Marchionne could leave Chrysler position in 2015/2016

While speaking at the 2011 Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, Chrysler and Fiat Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne hinted that he could be relinquishing his position atop the Chrysler Group as soon as 2015 or 2016.

During a discussion about the future plans of the Chrysler Group, Marchionne stated that those decisions will be “"up to the guy after me, I think - after 2015 hopefully. Maybe a year later - Chrysler will be here after me." Marchionne later specified that he could still head the Chrysler Group past the 2015 or 2016 year but he alluded to the fact that there is the intention to have someone else serve as the CEO of Chrysler in the coming years.

Marchionne offered this insight on the timeline and source of his replacement:
"I technically can go beyond 2015," he said. "I wouldn't focus on the date. I would focus on the process. The process has been designed and I have always believed that my successor needs to come from the inside and this enlarged management team where we have 22 people of nine nationalities is designed to be a proving ground for people to sit and manage."

Marchionne rolled out his new management system last week with a variety of Fiat and Chrysler heads from around the world serving as a governing body over the Fiat-Chrysler global empire – with this Group Executive Council answering only to Sergio and the company Board of Directors. This group already includes a handful of single-brand CEOs and based on Mr. Marchionne’s comments on his replacement, it wouldn’t come as a huge surprise to see one of the folks calling the shots at a current brand to take over the CEO spot of the Chrysler Group around 2015 or 2016. (click here for a closer look at the Fiat Group Executive Council)

Since Sergio Marchionne and Fiat took control of the reins at Chrysler, things have been constantly improving at nearly every level and the consumer has taken notice – making the Chrysler Group one of the fastest growing automaker groups in the US market. Also, with Fiat repurposing Chrysler Group vehicles for use as Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati models in other markets – this merger has helped to keep American workers busy as Chrysler vehicles are gaining demand in other world markets.

TorqueNews correspondent Frank Sherosky has been covering the 2011 Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan and you can check out the links below for a closer look at all of the news from the Seminars!
CAR Business Seminar starts with large attendance
2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminar Update: Economic plan overriding Obama mileage plan
2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminar looks at connected vehicles vs safety
2011 CAR MBS Day 2 addresses Advanced Powertrains session