The recipient of 1999 Wu Manufacturing Leadership Award

Mr. Robert A. Lutz

Mr. Robert A. Lutz

Robert A. Lutz is the Chairman of GM North America and Vice Chairman of Product Development, General Motors Corporation.  He also served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exide Corporation.  He retired as Vice Chairman from Chrysler Corporation in 1998. As an executive of the company he focused primarily on Chrysler’s product development activities. He was involved in all major decisions and acted as a coach and advisor.  He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer for Chrysler’s car and truck operations, including International Operations.  Prior to Chrysler, Lutz spent twelve years at Ford Motor Company, where he was Executive Vice President of Truck Operations and Chairman of Ford of Europe and International Operations.  Lutz started his automotive career at General Motors Corporation, where he held a variety of senior positions in Europe.  Later, he served three years as Executive Vice President of Sales at BMW.  He serves on numerous board of directors.

Lutz received his B.S. in 1961 and an M.B.A. in 1962, both from the University of California, Berkeley. He served as an aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps and obtained the rank of Captain.