Ford Motor Co.’s longtime head of global product development is retiring this year, part of a widespread change within the company’s executive ranks.
Derrick Kuzak, group vice president-global product development, and Lewis Booth, executive vice president & CFO – both 30 year veterans of the automaker – are retiring effective April 1.
Kuzak, a native of Michigan, led the creation of the One Ford global product cycle plan, defining the company’s vehicle “DNA” for Ford and Lincoln, while transforming Ford’s global product development system, leading platform consolidation across key global vehicle segments.
Kuzak began his career with Ford in 1978, serving in a variety of leadership positions in Europe and The Americas before being appointed to his current role in December 2006.
Booth will be succeeded by Bob Shanks, who is currently vice president and controller, while Kuzak will be succeeded by Raj Nair, who is currently vice president-engineering for global product development.
In his new role, Nairwill assume direct responsibility for all aspects of Ford Motor Company’s product development system. He will report to Alan Mulally, Ford’s president & CEO, as well as Mark Fields, executive vice president and president of The Americas for North American product development.
Additionally, Hau Thai-Tang, currently executive director-global product programs, will succeed Nair.
