The Chrysler Group recently announced in a Form 8-K that it has appointed to its board two new independent directors, effective immediately.

Leo Houle was chief talent officer of BCE and Bell Canada from June 2001 until he retired in July 2008. He will join the compensation and leadership development committee.

John Lanaway was executive vice president and chief financial officer, North America, of advertising agency McCann Erickson from November 2007 until June 2011. He sits on the audit committee.

The two new directors replace Chairman Robert Kidder, George Gosbee, and Scott Stuart, who have resigned from the board. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne will add the chairman role to his duties.

Ronald Thompson, who has served as a director since 2009, was elected as lead director.