Executive Q & A - Saturn Interview

Jill Lajdziak's has come a long way, since her first job was as a Car Collection Manager at a dealership. Today, Lajdziak is the General Manager of Saturn, admired within General Motors Corporation, and thought to be an up-and-comer. Her most recent move up the ladder of success, in March of 2004, put this 43-year-old business leader in a position that oversees the overall growth of Saturn and its product lines. Her responsibilities include Saturn brand and product development, marketing/advertising, and ensuring that the brand properly integrates with the field organization to implement programs.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Lajdziak has a B.S in business marketing and management. Other positions at General Motors include: 1997 Executive Director, Marketing and Retail; Network Development, Saturn Corp.; 1995 Executive Director, Customer/Retailer Operations and Strategies, Saturn Corp.; 1986 Manager, Retailer Selection, Saturn Corp. 1980 District Sales Manager, Chevrolet. Autobytel.com caught up with Lajdziak recently during the press days for the Saturn Red Line products, the VUE and the ION, and asked her some questions about the future of Saturn.

Q.What makes a brand strong?
A.Anyone who wants to build a great brand first has to understand itself. Over the past few years, Saturn has done a great deal of research and analysis to clearly identify what the brand is, and what about Saturn is relevant to today's consumers. Saturn has to move up the spectrum, creating more value for our customers, our retailers and GM as a whole.