Marchionne says he may step down as Chrysler CEO within 5 years

Sergio Marchionne,  CEO, Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat SpA

It’s a scary thought for us to see a Chrysler Group LLC operation without Sergio Marchionne at the helm – however, it’s bound to happen one day. During a question-and-answer session at the 2011 Management Briefing Seminars, Marchionne said that he will be stepping aside as CEO from the Auburn Hills automaker within five years.

Marchionne said Chrysler’s future plans will be “up to the guy after me, I think — after 2015, hopefully. Maybe a year later. Chrysler will be here after me.”

Marchionne is currently CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat SpA. Over the past couple of weeks, he has started integrating the management teams of the two companies.

“I technically can go beyond 2015,” he said. “I wouldn’t focus on the date. I would focus on the process.”

He went on to say that he sees his successor coming from inside the company.

You can watch Marchionne’s speech from the 2011 CAR Management Briefing Seminars after the jump.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News