Chrysler’s high profile PR chief Jason Vines has resigned and a realigned corporate communications department will now report to human resources head Nancy Rae.
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The move has attracted comment in the US with some suggesting that Chrysler will be less open while others say that linking communications with HR ensures consistent messages are broadcast both inside and outside the company.
“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,” chairman and CEO Bob Nardelli said in a statement.
Chrysler said several executives in the corporate communications department would 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 remains at Chrysler until the end of the year. He reportedly told staff that the decision to leave was his alone. Since Nardelli arrived at a newly privatised Chrysler, a number of executives have left or been sidelined while high-profile recruits have arrived from other automakers.
“Jason has served Chrysler well, and we are very grateful for his many contributions over the years,” added Nardelli.
Vines began his career at Chrysler Corporation in 1983, first as an economics researcher in the labour relations department and later held various posts in employee communications and public relations. He left in 1998 to head communications for Nissan North America and, in February 2000, was named vice president-communications for Ford. He returned to Chrysler in 2003 as vice president-communications.
Mike Aberlich, Chrysler’s director, corporate and internal communications, announced last week that he would retire at the end of the year.
