FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. — On Monday, Chrysler Financial announced it has implemented some executive moves to further strengthen the company's focus on its core business.

Taking on the newly created position of vice chairman and chief executive officer is Thomas Gilman. Basically, this position combines the former roles of executive vice chairman, president and chief executive officer into a single role.

In this new position, Gilman will set the strategic direction that creates value and ensures the alignment of the company's performance with investors' expectations, officials explained.

In another move, Darryl Jackson is appointed chief operating officer and is responsible for leading the company's sales and marketing activities.

Jackson joins Chrysler Financial from Chrysler where he previously held the position of vice president of U.S. sales.

"We are pleased to have Darryl join the team," said Gilman. "Darryl's strong finance background in combination with his extensive experience in sales and marketing at Chrysler and his relationships with the dealer body will be a great asset to us in our efforts going forward."

Reporting to the vice chairman and CEO are:

—Lee Wilson, chief financial officer

—Darcy Walker, chief risk officer

—Jackson, COO

—Tracy Hackman, vice president and general counsel

—Janet Toronski, vice president of dealer credit and national accounts

—Machelle McAdory, vice president of human resources, administrative services and communications

—Matt Thibaudeau, vice president of the services group