In what may signal a major shift in its global sales and marketing efforts, Chrysler on Friday announced the departure of two key executives. Deborah Wahl Meyer, Chrysler vice president and chief marketing officer, leaves the company immediately; Philip F. Murtaugh, its Asia chief, will leave at the end of the month 'to pursue other interests.'

Meyer was one of the most influential women in the Detroit auto industry. She was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women by Fortune magazine in 2007 and was described as 'a star on the rise.... Meyer made her name marketing Lexus in the U.S.; now, Chrysler wants her to work the same magic,' it said.

But she also was known for her caustic tongue. 'When people look at American cars, they just assume they might break,' she told Advertising Age when it asked her to cite consumers' greatest misperceptions about American vehicles.

Meyer and Murtaugh were two of Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli's chief lieutenants. Both were hired after the sale of Chrysler to Cerberus Capital Management.

In a statement, Chrysler said it will 'refocus its efforts in Asia, redirecting the sales and marketing function for the Asia Pacific Region, particularly in China.'

'Chrysler will continue its global partnership and alliance strategy, including seeking new opportunities in China,' it said. 'However, those functions will be centralized in Chrysler's Auburn Hills, Michigan, headquarters under L. John Cataldo, vice president for business development and alliances.'