Transition for Ford’s executive suite

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.