Chrysler hires former exec to advise Marchionne

(AP) — Chrysler LLC has brought back its one-time Washington lobbyist as a special adviser to the automaker's chief executive, Sergio Marchionne.

The company said Wednesday that Robert Liberatore will work with Marchionne on an interim basis, though Chrysler did not specify how long that would be. He is expected to provide advice on Chrysler's external affairs approach as the automaker tries to reshape itself following a government bailout and bankruptcy last year.

Last month General Motors appointed board member and former Wall Street analyst Stephen Girsky as an adviser to CEO Ed Whitacre. Both GM and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy last year during one of the worst years ever for the U.S. industry. Both companies received billions in federal aid.

Liberatore first worked for Chrysler as a lobbyist beginning in 1985, joining the company shortly after a similar period of turmoil.

During the 1980s, the company avoided bankruptcy thanks to a sizable government loan. Liberatore had previously spent 10 years working in Congress, including four years as staff director for Sen. Robert Byrd, D.-W.Va.