Hot on the heels of the Jim Press announcement, Chrysler today named Philip Murtaugh as CEO for its Asian operations. Murtaugh, a former GM long-termer, will be leaving Shanghai Auto (SAIC) where he headed up the firm’s burgeoning international strategy and operations.

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In his new role at Chrysler, Murtaugh will be responsible for all of Chrysler’s Asian operations, including China and India. He will report to Michael Manley, Executive Vice President — International Sales.


“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to lead our business activities in this critical growth region,” said Manley. “Phil has a proven track record and we are excited he has joined our team.”


“Growth in international markets and leveraging partnerships are cornerstones of the Chrysler Recovery and Transformation Plan,” said Thomas W. LaSorda, Vice-Chairman and President.


Before joining SAIC in June 2006 (a move that took many by surprise), Murtaugh served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the General Motors China Group from June 2000 until April 2005. Based in Shanghai, he was responsible for the overall coordination of GM’s extensive operations in mainland China and Taiwan. He also was a member of GM’s Asia Pacific Strategy Board.

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Murtaugh earlier served as Executive Vice President of Shanghai General Motors and General Manager of GM China’s Shanghai representative office. He was part of the negotiating team and played a key role in the launch of Shanghai General Motors, GM’s largest venture in China.


Since joining GM in 1973 as a General Motors Institute (GMI) student with Fisher Body, Murtaugh held several positions in production, manufacturing, die and metal stamping, and product planning in the United States, Japan and China. These include Director of manufacturing for GM Overseas Corporation — Japan, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director of product planning at Isuzu Motors and President of IBC in Luton, England.


In addition to a bachelor’s degree from GMI (now Kettering University), Murtaugh holds a master’s degree in industrial management from Stanford University. A U.S. citizen, Murtaugh is married with four children.