Richmond’s vision for the future has been strongly endorsed by Chrysler’s CEO of Asia-Pacific Operations John Kett.

Speaking at Sunday’s President’s function, before the Sydney game, Kett endorsed the club’s ambitious plans, saying the challenges faced by the Tigers were similar to those his company recently confronted in the United States.

Chrysler is the parent company of Jeep, which became Richmond’s co-major partner this year.

“Chrysler knows as well as any global business, the implications that a weakened financial position can have on marketplace competitiveness,” he told the room of almost 400 guests.

“It was only two years ago that Chrysler relied on the generosity of the US and Canadian governments and taxpayers to provide Chrysler with a precious second chance.”

“But, as a company, we are now witnessing first hand that ambitious plans, with a clear focus, can drive positive outcomes.”

Kett said that while there was still plenty of hard work ahead, Chrysler expected to repay its debt six years ahead of schedule.

“The Richmond Football Club speaks to ambitious plans, it speaks to a vision of greatness, it speaks to re-building the muscle by setting real goals and objectives and keeping the club focused on these pursuits,” Kett said.

“As a corporate partner, we would like to re-affirm our commitment. We encourage the club to hold to its vision, to hold its nerve and maintain a steely resolve even in the face of what would appear, on the surface, as easy, short-term fixes when, in reality, they are counter to your long-term plan.”