Rival says Nardelli's OK.(Final assembly )(talk with Joe Laymon of Ford Motor Co.)(Interview)

Automotive News, March, 2008

As head of human resources and labor affairs at Ford, Joe Laymon knows a thing or two about executive talent. And there's a prominent newcomer Laymon feels hasn't gotten enough respect: Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli, who has been dissed in some quarters for taking a $210 million severance package at the end of his stormy tenure at Home Depot. Nardelli also has been rapped for moving aggressively in spite of his automotive industry inexperience.

But Laymon thinks Nardelli may end up having the last laugh.

"Nardelli has skills that will work in this industry,'' Laymon told Automotive News. "Those who have been second-guessing how good he's going to be will be proven wrong.''

CAPTION(S):

Nardelli: A thumbs-up from Ford