Black MBA - Spring 2008 - (Page 57)

CAREER Kim Harris Jones Steady Speed, Careful Navigation and an Occasional Lane Change Chrysler VP Shares what Drives a Successful Auto Industry Career By Merlin JnBaptiste FOR MOR E THAN half a century, African Americans have been part of Detroit’s manufacturing engine. They have been well-represented on the shop floor, helping to power the nation’s automotive industry. Today, however, the picture is changing, as African Americans continue to emerge in the upper echelons of auto industry management. And even as U.S. automakers struggle against stiff international competition to sell cars, trucks and SUVs – and even as the economy tumbles – the diversity of management is becoming a mainstay. Kim Harris Jones represents the face of such success. Considered a financial whiz, Harris Jones was appointed Vice President and Chief Controller of Chrysler LLC in August 2007. Previously, she served as Vice President of Product, Procurement and Cost Management Finance. Despite her impressive titles, “It’s okay to call me Kim,” says Harris Jones, 47, who in 2004 became the first African-American female vice president in Chrysler’s history. Harris Jones is responsible for ensuring that all vehicles produced and sold by the company meet financial requirements in cost, investment and profitability. Additionally, she oversees engineering, research and development budgets and capital investment strategies. The University of Michigan alumna also supervises corporate financial activities, including manufacturing, business planning and short and medium-term financial forecasting and financial reporting. Aided by an in-house corporate economist, Harris Jones boasts of keeping tabs on company business with what she claims is her secret weapon – lots of help. “It is not about one person having all the skills,” she continues, “but putting together a team.” Harris Jones’ career started as a senior auditor at Deloitte & Touche. She eventually moved on to General Motors Corporation and steadily climbed the ma nagement ra n k s before joi n i ng Chrysler LLC. But her progress was met with resistance. “I wasn’t received with open arms, which was a little difficult,” she says in a low voice and adds, “but my personality doesn’t have me jumping around every couple of years from company to company.” Yet, for 15 years, she has endured, thrived and survived through a lot, including DaimlerChrysler’s recent break-up. LEARNING BY EXAMPLE Perhaps her story points to success not being something for the fragile in mind or spirit. Though Harris Jones admits to an occasional encounter with career blues, she has learned to “shake it off.” And she’s always open to change, which is BlackMBA • Spring 2008 57 Kim Harris Jones

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Black MBA - Spring 2008

Black MBA - Spring 2008 Passion, Purpose and Power Contents Web Browsing From the President & CEO Up Front Advertising for Change CEO to CEO: Straight Talk with Barbara L. Thomas and Renetta McCann The New Executive Search Wealth Building: A Head Start on Investing and Saving Young Continuing Education: Lifelong Learning is Easier than You Think Making Good: Catching up with some of NBMBAA’s 2007 Scholarship Winners On Campus: Universities Win Grants to Fight Poverty Public Service: Does Your MBA Fit in the Government Sector? Bridge Building: Make a Career of Giving Back Steady Speed: Kim Harris Jones Shares what Drives a Successful Auto Industry Career Financial Planning: A New Way to Work Your MBA Global Focus: Keeping up with the Competition Clock On the Move: Member News, Promotions and More Industry Focus: Biotechnology, Energy, Food & Beverage, Global Media and Entertainment Employer Profiles: Campbell Soup, FINRA Financial Finesse: Denise Hales Harrod and CompuCredit Advocate for the Financially Underserved Creating Lasting Change: GE Impacts Quality of Life in Africa William W. Wells Jr.: Finding Strength in Diversity Leaders of Tomorrow® Community Service Program: NBMBAA® and Wal-Mart Partner to Reward Students Who Give Back Reaching Out: NBMBAA® Chapters Give Back to Their Local Communities How To… Buy a Franchise: Understanding the Basics of Acquiring a Franchise After the Gridiron: Keith Sims – Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Confidential: Paul Hubbard – Papa John’s pizza Strength Through Adversity: Bob and Hortense Bobbitt – McDonald’s On the Ground Floor: Valerie Daniels-Carter – Pizza Hut, Burger King, Auntie Anne’s Use Your Superstar Status: Black Entrepreneurs Break into Japanese Economy Marketing Maven: Odyssey Media Entrepreneur Linda Spradley Dunn Staying the Course: Black Marathoners Share Lessons from the Race Relationship Forum: Soul-Mate Strategies for the Career-Minded Vacations that Matter: Travel to Make a Difference Advertisers Index

Black MBA - Spring 2008

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