BUSINESS MEMO: NEW DAIMLER EXEC

DaimlerChrysler Corp. president James Holden has been named chief executive officer of the North American arm of DaimlerChrysler AG in a move that analysts say could help strengthen the division's independence.

Holden, 49, joined the company in 1981 after eight years at Ford Motor Co. He will be responsible for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar businesses. Eaton retired March 31.

Since Daimler-Benz and Chrysler merged in 1998, several top Chrysler executives have left, including its highly regarded president, Thomas Stallkamp, who had been mentioned as a possible successor to Eaton.