I have to admit that I receive this message with disbelief. For me Jan Åke Jonsson has been Mr. Saab for the last 5 years. Rally legend Erik Carlsson may have been mister Saab in the good old days, but the last years Jan Åke has unquestionably been Mr. Saab. Read the press release is below.
Press release
JAN AKE JONSSON RETIRES AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SAAB
Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 25 March 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. (Spyker) announces
that Jan Åke Jonsson has decided to retire from his position as President and CEO of
Saab Automobile AB (Saab) effective per Spyker’s Annual General Shareholders
meeting to be held on 19 May, 2011.
JAN AKE JONSSON RETIRES AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SAAB
Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 25 March 2011 – Spyker Cars N.V. (Spyker) announces
that Jan Åke Jonsson has decided to retire from his position as President and CEO of
Saab Automobile AB (Saab) effective per Spyker’s Annual General Shareholders
meeting to be held on 19 May, 2011.
A search for a successor to Jan Ake Jonsson has been initiated and he has agreed to assist
Saab’s Management with a smooth transition to his successor. He will remain available as such
until September 1, 2011. Until a successor to Jan Åke Jonsson is appointed, Victor Muller will
temporarily assume the role of President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB in addition to his role
as Chairman of the Board.
Jan Åke Jonsson says: “I have been with Saab for almost my entire career of 40 years, of which
almost six years as the head of Saab Automobile. The last three years have of course been very
demanding and forced me to focus on one thing only – my work. Now it is time for me to also
spend some time on other things that had to stand back for my duties to Saab.
“We have already accomplished so many things that many thought were impossible and I am
convinced that Saab is on the right track towards replacing the entire product portfolio by
October 2012 - when the next generation 9-3 will be launched - as well as creating a standalone
company with a financially sound business model.”
Victor Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker and Chairman of Saab says: “Jan Åke has not
only been instrumental in Saab’s survival but also in the transition of Saab into an independent
car company. I am really sad to see him leave, but understand and respect his rationale. He has
had one of the toughest jobs in Sweden in recent years and I am grateful that he has
transferred his knowledge and experience to the Managements of Saab and Spyker. Jan Åke has
led the efforts to create a platform from which Saab will become a strong and independent
Swedish car manufacturer."
Hans Hugenholtz, Chairman of Spyker’s Supervisory Board, says: "We
owe Jan Ake so much for his relentless efforts to overcome the adversities Saab encountered in
2008-2010 and has lead his dedicated Management to performances way beyond the call of
duty. We wish him well knowing he will finally have some time to dedicate to those close to
him."
– Ends –
For further information, please contact:
Saab Automobile Press Office
Tel: +46 (0)520 279797
http://media.saab.com/
