Don Jackson.Don Jackson plans to leave his post as president of manufacturing of Volkwagen Group of America and his duties will be assumed on an acting basis by CEO and Chairman Frank Fischer until a successor to Jackson is named.
VW noted the management reshuffle that is occurring July 1 even as it stated that it has passed the 3,000-employee mark at its $1 billion Chattanooga auto assembly plant.
"The ramp up of our plant is completed and I know that the local team has the skill to improve our new plant to the next level," Jackson said. "I am proud to have helped create new jobs in North America and develop people. After the fourth ramp up of a car plant, it is the right moment now to take a break and then pass on my experiences to regional business to help rebuild America's manufacturing base."
Fischer said, "Don's experience and advice was a crucial factor for the successful ramp up of the plant and the development of a local leadership team. We thank him for his support, will stay in touch and wish him the very best for his plans here in Chattanooga."
VW also said Lothar Grensemann, the paint shop's general manager, will go to a partner plant in Emden, Germany. Dean Parker will be the successor here.
Fernando Ribiero, general manager for controlling, will be assigned to Mexico, and have Tom Miller as his successor.
VW said that this summer more than 30 foreign service employees are taking on new responsibilities globally.
"They had a very challenging job in managing the successful completion and ramp up of the new plant and building the new team," Fischer said. "We thank them for their outstanding performance and wish them all the best for their future career."
He added, " At the same time I am very proud of our new local managers who have developed within the company the last years. They will be crucial for our future success in Chattanooga."