Just two months after being picked to head a critical Chrysler product development team, vice president and engineering chief Mike Donoughe has resigned his post.
Donoughe had been chosen to lead Chrysler’s secret Project D, a development program for the all-important new global mid-size car platform, which will replace the Sebring and Dodge Avenger. The 49-year-old engineer had been seen as one of the best and brightest the automaker had in its roster, spending time working on both front and rear-drive vehicles, as well as working for two-years in Germany with former company partners Mercedes-Benz.
While Chrysler’s prepared statement claimed that there was no acrimony behind Donoughe’s quick departure, The Wall Street Journal reported the engineer had clashed with senior management.
Mark Chernoby has been tapped to replace Donoughe as vice president and chief engineer for Chrysler’s mid-size product team.
+ Automotive News: Key Chrysler product developer Donoughe quits (subscription required)
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For anyone hoping for a Chrysler rebound this is not good news. If mgt dropped Donoughe so soon due to poor performance, then it raises the question as to top mgt’s ability to make critical personnel decisions.
If Donoughe left because ownership wasn’t committed to the needed investment, a rattle can paint job if you will, then there is no hope.
I think that when a senior member of management leaves after 2 months on the job, ti is a strong indication that Chrysler has some serious perhaps fatal problems!
Oops, I meant “it” not “ti”.
Nah, Donoughe hasn’t shown any great technological innovation.
Perhaps I’m wrong.
Donoughe is a great inventor, do some research Ducati. He holds 7 patents, one of which is for auto stick. You know, the thing thats in EVERY automatic car now which has the mechatronic capability to allow for shifting gears manually.
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