Ford Motor Co. yesterday announced that CEO Alan Mulally will remain on with the company through at least 2014 and the promotion of Mark Fields. Fields, currently President of the Americas, will take over as COO, effective Dec. 1.
Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford made the announcements.
Mulally will continue to lead the long-term strategic development of the One Ford plan and its continuous improvement. Fields will be responsible for all business operations, including Ford’s automotive business units – The Americas (including both North America and South America); Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific. Also reporting to Fields will be most of the company’s functional skill teams, including Product Development; Manufacturing and Labor Affairs; Purchasing; Quality; Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering; Information Technology; Government and Community Relations; Marketing, Sales and Service; and Communications.
“Today marks an important next step in the profitable growth of the Ford Motor Co. and the appointment of key leaders who will help us continue to make progress on our One Ford plan,” Bill Ford said. “The strength of our people and stability of our team are competitive advantages for Ford. We are fortunate to have Alan’s continued leadership as well as talented senior leaders throughout our company who are developing and working together and delivering on our plan.”
Ford also made a number of other appointments.
Jim Farley, currently a group vice president, has been named executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service and Lincoln. Joe Hinrichs is named executive vice president and president of The Americas. Hinrichs is currently group vice president and president of Asia Pacific Africa.
Stephen Odell, currently group vice president, chairman & CEO of Ford Europe, is named executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa. According to Ford, Africa is being realigned with Europe and the Middle East under Odell to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities and efficiencies.
David Schoch, currently chairman & CEO of Ford of China, is named group vice president and president of Asia Pacific.
John Lawler, currently CFO, Ford Asia Pacific Africa, has been elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and named chairman & CEO of Ford Motor China.
