STATEMENT FROM JAY KUHNIE, PRESIDENT, NATIONAL CHRYSLER RETIREMENT ORGANIZATION
The National Chrysler Retirement Organization (NCRO) and the tens of thousands of hourly and salaried retirees of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC offer their deepest condolences and sincerest grief on the passing of Sergio Marchionne. We are united in our gratitude for his dynamic and creative leadership of Fiat Chrysler. Our individual and collective thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
The proof of Mr. Marchionne’s success at Fiat Chrysler is in the thousands of jobs and pensions saved and the thousands of new jobs created, not just at FCA, but at supplier companies large and small and at dealerships around the world. The evidence of his success is on the roads and streets, trails and tracks, of the world in names like Hellcat, Trailhawk, Trackhawk, Demon, Rebel, Stelvio and Levante, names that quicken the pulse of consumers and enthusiasts and enhance the rich catalog of Chrysler and Fiat product history. And the cherished Jeep brand has grown immensely, both nationally and internationally, under Sergio’s leadership and stands as the recognized leader in the booming sport utility segment.
We know that Sergio’s energetic and exacting leadership will be emulated and embellished in new ways by Mike Manley, a seasoned international automotive executive with a proven track record. We retirees welcome Mike into his new position as CEO of FCA and are ready to assist and support him any way we can. Many of us have worked with Mike and can attest to his work ethic and capabilities. We look forward to even more success under his leadership.
We are grateful for two extraordinary leaders for “our” corporation, the right men at the right time. We are sorry that Sergio didn’t live to see the ultimate fruits of his incredible efforts in Auburn Hills. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Jay Kuhnie
President – National Chrysler Retirement Organization
