Ford Announces Multiple Senior Leadership Changes After CEO Shakeup
Continuing the fallout from the announcement that former Steelcase CEO Jim Hackett is succeeding Mark Fields as President and CEO, Ford Motor Company announced a number of additional executive appointments that ostensibly reshuffle the deck of the senior leadership team for its new chief.
“The leadership changes we are announcing today across our global business are important as we foster even greater teamwork, accountability, and nimble decision-making,” Hackett said. “I am excited to work together with Bill Ford and such a talented and diverse group of leaders to create a more vibrant Ford that delivers value for all of our stakeholders.”
Upon announcing Hackett as the new CEO, Ford also announced the leaders of its new Global Markets, Global Operations, and Mobility units, with Jim Farley, Joe Hinrichs, and Marcy Klevorn filling the respective roles. Subsequently, Ford announced a number of executive moves affecting all three teams.
Global Markets
Raj Nair, the current chief technical officer and executive vice president of Product Development, will succeed Hinrichs as the executive vice president and president of North America, effective June 1st.
It was also announced that Group Vice President and President of Ford Asia Pacific Dave Schoch will retire effective August 1st. Peter Fleet, the chairman and CEO of Ford China, has been named as his replacement, with that move taking effect on July 1st.
“Dave has been a fantastic leader and a role model for many at Ford during his four decades in the company,” Hackett said. “Over the past five years, Dave has been a key architect of our tremendous growth in China, and overall success in Asia Pacific.”
Effective June 1st, Steven Armstrong will become the group vice president and president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, succeeding Farley. Effective June 12th, Sherif Marakby will become the vice president of Autonomous Vehicles and Electrification. Effective July 1st, Mark Ovenden will become the vice president of Marketing, Sales, and Service for Asia Pacific.
Global Operations
Hau Thai-Tang, a 25-year veteran of Product Development, becomes the new executive vice president of Product Development and Purchasing. He will begin his role effective June 1st, reporting to Hinrichs.
Mobility
Jeff Lemmer becomes the vice president and COO of Information Technology, effective June 1st; effective August 1st, Neil Schloss takes the reins as vice president and CFO of Mobility. Both will report to Klevorn.
Miscellaneous
Finally, Ford made three additional leadership changes: Bradley Gayton will become the group vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel for Ford; Ken Washington will become the vice president of Research and Advanced engineering and chief technology officer; and Kenneth R. Kent will become vice president and treasurer, succeeding Schloss. The former two appointments take effect June 1st, while the latter takes effect on August 1st.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.