The head of the Asia Pacific region for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles abruptly left his position Thursday, only a few days before the former head of FCA in Australia is expected to file a defense against allegations that he misused money, Drive in Australia is reporting.
FCA Asian-Pacific chief John Kett left the company “to pursue other business interests,” according to the automaker. His resignation is effective immediately.
Former managing director of FCA in Australia Clyde Campbell is accused by the automaker of swindling more than $30 million from the company to pay for extravagant parties and gifts.
It’s unclear if Kett’s departure has any connection with Campbell’s expected defense that he misused money.
Jeep CEO and Asian Pacific chief operating officer Mike Manley will assume Kett’s duties on an interim basis, the company said.
Campbell is accused of providing cars to celebrities such as Elizabeth Hurley and Shane Warne, in addition to hosting lavish parties and buying a $400,000 yacht with company money.
Kett has a long automotive career stretching back to the 1980s when he was CFO for Holden in Australia. After assuming various roles with GM in China and Australia, Kett was hired by Chrysler in 2008 and promoted to his role in 2009.
File under Hookers & Blow.
Come on Aaron, you can do better than this. It’s a confusing mish-mash that reads like an attempt to tie together two company executives in entirely different regions. Because you switch back and forth between information about two separate people, the reader logically ties the two together when there may in fact be no connection. Although I could care less about either of these guys, I think it is irresponsible to imply a connection, while stating that “It’s unclear” whether there is a connection or not.
I don’t believe it’s “entirely different regions.” Asia Pacific covers Australia, and while I could be wrong, Mr.Campbell would have reported to Mr. Kett, and that is probably why the quick exit.
Clyde Campbell reported to John Kett. Shiite rolls uphill sometimes.
If Kett made the decision to hire Campbell, and Campbell reported to him, it’s fair to hold him accountable for Campbell’s gross misconduct.
As an aside, the list of Finance execs who go on to great success in operating roles is remarkably short. Kett becomes another example of how that doesn’t happen.
I hear they found his package of prescription pain pills…
…. this story is the gift that keeps on giving.
Any wonder you can buy a new Patriot Limited for $25k
http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/jeep-australia-boss-pat-dougherty-steps-down-as-sales-halve-in-a-boom-market-moves-to-china-office/news-story/462ec52607f1af2cfc0a8ab1075ad669