Help wanted: But who's on the way out?
 | Mark Rechtin is West Coast editor for Automotive News. |
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It's great sport in the auto business -- talking about top-flight executives who could be on the move.
In fact, next to the introduction of a new car, nothing fascinates like the emergence of a rising star in a high-profile job or else a sudden, surprise departure. Unless, of course, it is speculating about same. And this week we get to conjecture about who might be on the hot seat.
Executive search firms Parkford & Associates and Broad & Pattison have both posted an opening for a "Division General Manager - Executive-level division leader for automotive make."
The posting continues with: "Unquestioned (and industry-recognized) senior brand/division leadership credentials in automotive OEM marketing, finance, operations and sales are a must. Fluency in retail and lease consumer transactions -- as well as re-marketing -- is a key skill set."
Someone is on the way out or up. But who?
Both search firms are too professional to let out any further details, not even hinting at where in the United States the job is located. Neither headhunter would comment further.
So, let's read the tea leaves, shall we?
In looking for someone with "division leadership credentials," automaker X is seeking a familiar front man or woman who can burnish its sagging credibility.
Then, there's the emphasis on leasing and remarketing. This smacks of a luxury brand whose lease program needs bolstering -- or whose lease program is essential and can't afford to have some rookie screw it up. But it also could be a mass-market brand that is looking to do more with leasing and whose certified pre-owned program is a mess.
Few automakers still refer to their brands as "divisions." And who goes outside for a division boss these days?
We could guess, but we won't -- for publication, at least. Automotive News isn't in the business of hiring and firing executives, but someone ought to be looking over his or her shoulder.
You can reach Mark Rechtin at mrechtin@crain.com. -- Follow Mark on 
