Ford Announces Several Executive Appointments
Ford this month announced a flurry of executive retirements, appointments, and promotions. The moves affect Ford Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering; Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC; Strategy; Ford Credit; and Vehicle Component and System Engineering.
“There are always mixed emotions when wonderful people wrap up their Ford careers,” said Hackett. “It’s tough to say goodbye to leaders who achieved so much for the company, but it’s great to see our other talented team members have an opportunity to apply their expertise in new ways – especially during such an exciting time of growth and transformation at Ford.”
SESE VP Kim Pittel Retiring
Ford Vice President of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering Kim Pittel will retire effective Dec. 1, bringing her 34-year career to a close. Over those three-plus decades, in addition to her five-year stint in her current role, she helped develop and launch key product including the Ford Mustang, Escape, Fusion, and Focus.
She’ll be replaced by Bob Holycross, who has been the global director for Sustainability, Homologation, and Compliance since July 2018. In addition to becoming a corporate officer, Holycross will oversee building and rolling out environmental and safety strategy, policy, and performance. Hollycross is to be replaced by current assistant director of Global Automotive Safety Office Cynthia Williams.
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Jim Holland Retiring
Also retiring effective Dec. 1 is Vice President of Vehicle Component and System Engineering Jim Holland, who has been with Ford for 35 years. He will be succeeded in his role by current director of Ford’s Global Core Electrical team, Chuck Gray, who most recently led the design of Ford’s Driver Assist technology and development team. Gray is being succeeded by current director of Vehicle Infotainment and Connectivity Stuart Taylor.
Roles Shuffle in AV LLC, Strategy, Ford Credit
Former Ford Vice President of Strategy John Lawler, effective immediately, is the new CEO of Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC and vice president of Mobility Partnerships. He takes over for Sherif Marakby, who Ford says has opted to take personal leave.
Lawler’s role as VP of Strategy is filled by David McClelland, who had been the CEO of Ford Credit since early 2018 and a member of the Ford Credit team for over 25 years. Succeeding McClelland as the CEO of Ford Credit is Marion Harris, who had been the vice president of the Mobility Business Group. He also becomes a corporate officer. No successor to Harris has been named.
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