Saturn's Lajdziak to Head Smart's Sales and Marketing

Bents · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 12:53:00 PM

http://www.leftlanenews.com/saturns-lajdziak-to-head-smarts-sales-and-marketing.html

Smart USA has acquired former Saturn executive, Jill Lajdziak to head sales and marketing. Lajdziak’s new title of vice president of sales and marketing will come with the responsibility of stopping, and reversing a 38 percent decline in sales.

In addition to stopping the current sales decline at Smart, Lajdziak will also be tasked with “enhancing awareness of the Smart brand,” Lajdziak said.

Prior to arriving at Smart, Lajdziak was with GM for 23 years, finally retiring as a general manager for Saturn at the end of this year.

Penske, which owns Smart, had originally planned on purchasing Saturn from GM, and then selling a new line of vehicles which were to be produced by Renault – and badged as Saturns. However, when the deal was approaching its final stages it was unexpectedly shot down by the Renault board of directors.

Lajdziak’s new position was previously held by Russ Hill, who left Smart for “personal reasons,” according to a Smart spokesperson. However, Lajdziak will also be tasked with a new role of marketing in addition to the responsibilities formerly held by Hill.

Penske Automotive’s chairman, Roger Penske said, “With her background building the Saturn organization and her expertise in customer satisfaction, product marketing and brand development, Jill is an outstanding fit, and I am confident that she will help us grow the Smart brand.”

Depsite Smart USA’s stronger-than-expected initial sales figures in 2008, the brand has suffered a 38 percent decline in sales so far for 2009.

BentleyJava...

**John_T** · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:01:46 PM

...ha, I produced some of the original Smart European launch media.

Bents · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_T

...ha, I produced some of the original Smart European launch media.

Hit her up for some work, then move (back?) to the US (away from Mike) and then we can drive up to Chi and hit mykidz in the head with a tack hammer.

BentleyJava...

**tenfifteen** · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:14:11 PM

Well, she was obviously successful in sales at Saturn; their sales have been in the toilet for years.

MYKIDZM3 · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:26:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BentleyJava

Hit her up for some work, then move (back?) to the US (away from Mike) and then we can drive up to Chi and hit mykidz in the head with a tack hammer.

BentleyJava...

Ohh goody John T and the mrs comingtoChitown tehwhole head thing wif a tackhammer.

**John_T** · Wed, Dec-09-2009, 03:36:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BentleyJava

and then we can drive up to Chi and hit mykidz in the head with a tack hammer.

BentleyJava...

2 much trouble. Just FedEx him the hammer with instructions and he might just manage it DIY.

Mike is in SA, hopefully in jail.

Wed, Dec-09-2009, 12:53:00 PM	#1
Bents Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 20,564 Reputation: 0 Location: Obamaville	Saturn's Lajdziak to Head Smart's Sales and Marketing http://www.leftlanenews.com/saturns-lajdziak-to-head-smarts-sales-and-marketing.html Smart USA has acquired former Saturn executive, Jill Lajdziak to head sales and marketing. Lajdziak’s new title of vice president of sales and marketing will come with the responsibility of stopping, and reversing a 38 percent decline in sales. In addition to stopping the current sales decline at Smart, Lajdziak will also be tasked with “enhancing awareness of the Smart brand,” Lajdziak said. Prior to arriving at Smart, Lajdziak was with GM for 23 years, finally retiring as a general manager for Saturn at the end of this year. Penske, which owns Smart, had originally planned on purchasing Saturn from GM, and then selling a new line of vehicles which were to be produced by Renault – and badged as Saturns. However, when the deal was approaching its final stages it was unexpectedly shot down by the Renault board of directors. Lajdziak’s new position was previously held by Russ Hill, who left Smart for “personal reasons,” according to a Smart spokesperson. However, Lajdziak will also be tasked with a new role of marketing in addition to the responsibilities formerly held by Hill. Penske Automotive’s chairman, Roger Penske said, “With her background building the Saturn organization and her expertise in customer satisfaction, product marketing and brand development, Jill is an outstanding fit, and I am confident that she will help us grow the Smart brand.” Depsite Smart USA’s stronger-than-expected initial sales figures in 2008, the brand has suffered a 38 percent decline in sales so far for 2009. BentleyJava...

Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:01:46 PM	#2
John_T Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 15,639 Reputation: 578 Location: Switzerland	...ha, I produced some of the original Smart European launch media. __________________

Wed, Dec-09-2009, 01:14:11 PM	#4
tenfifteen Pale Geek Rigour Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 18,631 Reputation: 103 Location: MD/C	Well, she was obviously successful in sales at Saturn; their sales have been in the toilet for years. __________________ Last edited by tenfifteen; Wed, Dec-09-2009 at 01:28:06 PM.

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