Matt VanDyke Named VP of Marketing for Ford of Europe
Matt VanDyke
Ford is acquiring the services of Matt VanDyke from its Lincoln luxury arm for the purposes of overseeing marketing for Europe, per a report from Automotive News.
VanDyke has served in his current role of Director, Global Lincoln since 2012, and he has been an integral component in the brand’s image reclamation project. VanDyke was at the helm when the decision was made to rebrand to The Lincoln Motor Company, and he has overseen the launch of a number of new products from the MKZ, MKC, and all-new MKX.
VanDyke was also vital for the brand’s expansion into China in 2014, as well as the launch of the infamous ad campaign featuring Academy Award-winner Matthew McConaughey.
According to a memo obtained by Automotive News and later confirmed by Ford, VanDyke will take on the role of Vice President, Marketing, Ford of Europe, effective July 1st. He succeeds Gaetano Thorel, who is leaving the company after four years in the role of VP of Marketing.
VanDyke will be succeeded in his current role by Robert Parker, the current President of Lincoln China, who was responsible for overseeing Lincoln’s transition to the Chinese market in late 2014. Parker will continue to play a major role in Lincoln’s expansion in China—which could ultimately result in domestic production, according to rumors making the rounds this week—as well as a new role working with Lincoln dealers in the United States.
Parker’s replacement has been named, unofficially, as Amy Marentic, Lincoln’s sales manager for the Detroit region.
News Source: Automotive News (subscription required)
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