Jill Lajdziak
Jill Lajdziak (pronounced La-Jek
Background
Born in Brillion, Wisconsin, Lajdziak earned her BSc in business marketing and management from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 1979. Her experience includes a position with Elf Aquitaine Norge A/S, a Norwegian subsidiary of Elf Aquitaine. Later, she worked at a GM dealership as sales and service representative.[7]
In 1980, Jill Lajdziak formally joined General Motors, gradually advancing through the following positions (year of appointment given):
- 1980 - District Sales Manager, Chevrolet Motor Division
- 1983 - Metro District Sales Manager for Chevrolet
- 1984 - Assistant Manager, General Motors
Career with Saturn
Continuing her advancement within General Motors Corporation, Jill Lajdziak joined the newly founded Saturn Corporation in 1986, playing a part in the development of Saturn's retailer network. Her positions included (year of appointment given):[7]
- 1986 - Manager of Retailer Selection
- 1987 - Manager of Retailer Network Development
- 1989 - Regional Manager of Central United States
- 1995 (March) - Executive Director of Customer/Retail Operations & Strategies Team
- 1997 - Executive Director of Retailer Network Development [8]
- 1999 - Vice President of Sales, Service, and Marketing
In 2004, the position of Saturn was redefined within General Motors, with Saturn losing a seat on GM's board. Jill Lajdziak was appointed General Manager of Saturn, with responsibilities encompassing brand and product development, marketing and supervision of the field organization. This more brand-oriented role of both Lajdziak and Saturn as a GM division put the formerly more independent corporation more in line with other GM North American brands.[9]
References
- ^ "Digital Dealer Conference & Expo". Digital Dealer. 2019-04-25. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
- ^ "Five companies selected in Michigan mobility initiative to address Covid-19 challenges".
- ^ GM Press Release announcing the 2005 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry
- ^ AutoWeek interview[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Jill Lajdziak Appointed New President of Smart USA". Automobile Magazine. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
- ^ "Penske appoints Jill Lajdziak to run Smart USA hoping to stem sales collapse". Autoblog. Retrieved 2021-05-17.
- ^ a b Jill Lajdziak's bio at GM Media Online Archived 2007-02-22 at archive.today
- ^ Press release concerning Lajdziak's appointment as Executive Director of Retailer Network Development[permanent dead link]
- ^ Clarification of Jill Lajdziak's new role