Who's Where: Chrysler's new Design VPs

Following the recent acquisition of a majority stake in the Chrysler Group by Cerburus comes the announcement that there will be a reshuffling at Chrysler's North American design offices.  Joseph Dehner and Brandon Faurote will be taking over Vice President positions at the product design offices in Auburn Hills, replacing Thomas Tremont and David McKinnon.

Joseph Dehner will be replacing David McKinnon as Vice President for Small, Premium and Family Vehicle Design on June 1, 2007, moving up from his position as Director of Truck Exterior and Interior Design.

Dehner, who joined DaimlerChrysler in 1988 after completing a BA degree in industrial design from the Cleveland Institute of Art, has been responsible for several Chrysler Group concept and production vehicles, including the interior and exterior designs of the 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan and convertible, the exterior of the 2001 Sebring and Stratus, and the 1999 Dodge Charger and 2000 Chrysler 300 Hemi C concept vehicles.

McKinnon, who has announced his intent to retire on May 31, 2007, has worked on the exterior, interior and wheels of many concept and production vehicles since he joined DaimlerChrysler in 1968, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge and Chrysler Minivans and the Chrysler Crossfire.

Brandon Faurote will be filling the role of Vice President of Advance Exterior and Interior Design, beginning July 1, 2007, a position previously held by Thomas Tremont. Faurote will be responsible for the concept, design and refinement of Chrysler Group Premium, Small and Family Vehicle designs.

Faurote's most recent position was Director of Exterior and Interior Design Studio #2. He joined DaimlerChrysler in 1993 and has worked to design the 2001 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, and all Jeep models, particularly the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. He also led the team that completed the Chrysler Firepower concept vehicle that debuted at the North American International Auto Show.

Tremont, who joined DaimlerChrysler in 1972 and helped to establish DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica design studios, has announced intention to retire, effective June 30, 2007. Throughout his 35-year career, Tremont worked on 28 different concept vehicles and was instrumental in bringing the Plymouth Prowler concept vehicle to market as a production vehicle.

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