News from Chrysler's corporate offices today is that Jason Vines has stepped down from his position as vice president of communications, effective immediately, though he will remain with the company through the end of the year, to help with the transition.

In a statement released earlier this morning, Vines, age 47, said, "This was a tough decision, considering the many talented, longtime friends I have throughout the company. I wish them all the best and will continue to root for them."

Vines' resume includes high-ranking positions with both Ford and Nissan. His Chrysler career began in 1983 when he was an economics researcher in the labor department, and he moved up through positions in employee communications and public relations. He was hired by Jacques Nasser in 1998 to work for Ford as vice president of communications, but was wooed back to Chrysler by then-CEO Dieter Zetsche four years ago.

Among Jason Vines' career highlights are his work as an active blogger at Chrysler's media site thefirehouse.biz/blog, and his handling of the media coverage of the Daimler/Chrysler split earlier this year.

When not working, Vines' is quite the funny man, and has even performed standup in Detroit-area comedy clubs.

Vines' current chief of staff, David Barnas, will be taking over the communications and media relations responsibilities, while the communication staff will now report to Nancy Raw, Chrysler's senior vice president of human resources, until operations have been realigned.

Chrysler's director of corporate and internal communications, Mike Aberlich, has also announced his pending retirement, which will occur by year-end.