Former Chrysler Fleet GM MacDonald Dies

John MacDonald, who ran Chrysler's fleet unit for several years in the 1990s, died at his home on Walloon Lake, Mich., earlier this month. He was 72.

by Staff

October 17, 2017

Former Chrysler Fleet GM MacDonald Dies — *MacDonald*

1 min to read

John MacDonald, who ran Chrysler's fleet unit for several years in the 1990s, died at his home on Walloon Lake, Mich., earlier this month. He was 72.

MacDonald worked for Chrysler for 30 years in sales and marketing roles starting in July of 1971. He started in the Chicago zone, then served as assistant sales manager in the Omaha and Detroit zones. In 1980, he was named the Denver zone manager and then the Chicago zone manager.

In 1983, he was named regional manager of the South region and in 1985 became regional manager for the Central region. In September of 1987, he was appointed general manager of Dodge truck marketing. In October of 1988, he was named general sales manager for Chrysler Corp.

In 1991, MacDonald moved to Chrysler Fleet Operations, where he served as assistant general manager. On Jan. 1, 1993, he was named general manager.

MacDonald also maintained a residence in Naples, Fla. He is survived by his wife Lisa James, son Brian MacDonald, daughter Kelly MacDonald, and several grandchildren, reports the Naples Daily News.

Topics:Dodge Automotive Executives Obituary Chrysler Operations

More Operations

Two employees pull opposite ends of a rope in a tug-of-war, illustrating workplace conflict and the leadership strategies fleet organizations use to improve communication and teamwork.

Operations•by Faith Howell•June 8, 2026

How to Manage Conflict for Your Fleet Operations

Conflict management is becoming a core leadership skill. Here are five strategies fleet leaders should know.

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

From Our Partners

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?

Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.

Turn Fleet Data Into Smarter Decisions

Fleet leaders have access to more operational data than ever, but disconnected systems and unclear metrics often slow decision-making instead of improving it. This article outlines five practical steps fleets can take to transform fragmented data into actionable insights that improve planning, safety, utilization, and long-term performance.

Hybrids: Electrification Without the Challenges

For fleet managers, fuel is one of the biggest line items in the budget — and it's one hybrids can shrink without changing how your people work. Download the eBook to see the numbers, understand the technology, and get a step-by-step guide to making the switch.

Man speaking during an Automotive Fleet interview beside text reading “The 60% Driver Improvement Nobody Expected!” with blue motion graphics background.

Operations•by Chris Brown•May 14, 2026

How NOV Uses Telematics to Improve Fleet Safety Across 160 Locations

James Victory of NOV discusses how the company manages fleet safety, maintenance, and telematics across more than 150 locations supporting oilfield operations throughout the U.S.

Operations•by Faith Howell•May 14, 2026

Fleet Meets: Steven Santostasi

This edition of the Fleet Meets series features Steven Santostasi, the current TSP channel manager for Ford Pro.

Cover of a whitepaper titled “The Hidden Costs of Departmentally Assigned Vehicles on Your Fleet” featuring a black fleet vehicle driving on a road at sunset. Subheadline reads: “Discover how your fleet can reduce costs and minimize risk by implementing vehicle sharing.” The document focuses on fleet optimization, vehicle sharing, cost reduction, utilization tracking, and risk management for fleet operations.

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools

Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.

Operations•by Chris Brown•May 12, 2026

Soap Box Derby Challenge: Assembling the Crew

Meet Gabriel, Matthew, and Angel — the team helping bring this soap box derby build to life.

View All →