Ford announces senior leadership team changes in US and Europe

Ford Motor Company announced a series of changes within its senior leadership team to continue delivering the company's One Ford plan for profitable growth.

Ken Czubay, Vice-President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service, has elected to retire, after working for more
than four decades in the automotive industry. In parallel, John Felice is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named Vice-President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service.

Czubay began his career at Ford in 1970 and served in a variety of management and executive roles at the company for 13 years. In 1983, he left Ford to join Nissan North America and later Southeast Toyota Distributors. He rejoined Ford in 2008 as the company’s leader for U.S. marketing, sales, dealer and service operations.

"Ken is one of the top sales and marketing executives in the auto industry," said Joe Hinrichs, Executive Vice-President and President of The Americas. "His knowledge, passion and strong relationships with our dealers have enabled Ford to capture increased market share and enhance the customer experience. We are grateful for his leadership and congratulate him on his retirement."

Succeeding Czubay is Felice, currently General Sales Manager for Ford and Lincoln. Felice will report to Hinrichs and to Jim Farley, Executive Vice-President, Global Sales, Marketing and Service and Lincoln. Felice will be the Senior Leader for U.S. marketing, sales and service for Ford and Lincoln. During his nearly 30-year career, Felice has served in a variety of senior Marketing and Sales positions in the U.S. and Asia, including as president of Ford's Thailand Operations.

Ford also announced that Barb Samardzich is appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ford of Europe. She will be responsible for many of Ford of Europe's operations, including manufacturing, quality, product development, purchasing, and sustainability, environment and safety engineering. Samardzich will continue to report to Stephen Odell, Executive Vice-President and President of Europe, Middle East and Africa. Currently Samardzich is Vice-President, Product Development, Ford of Europe, where she oversees Ford's product programs and operations in the region.

Succeeding Samardzich is Joe Bakaj, who is appointed Vice-President, Product Development, Ford of Europe. Bakaj currently is Vice-President, Powertrain Engineering, and oversees all engine and transmission engineering around the world. In his new role, Bakaj will report to Samardzich and to Raj Nair, Group Vice-President, Global Product Development.

In addition, Bob Fascetti is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named Vice-President, Powertrain Engineering, succeeding Bakaj. He will report to Nair. In his current role as Director, Global Engine Engineering, Fascetti leads the engineering operations for all of Ford's engine development worldwide. During his 25-year career, he has served in a variety of senior leadership positions in Ford's powertrain, product development and manufacturing operations.

All retirements and appointments are effective from November 1, 2013.

Posted in: Barb Samardzich,Bob Fascetti,Europe,Ford,Joe Bakaj,Joe Hinrichs,John Felice,Ken Czubay,New Appointment,North America,One Ford Plan,Raj Nair,Stephen Odell,Vice-President