Ford Makes Senior Leadership Changes; Also Moves To Streamline Executive Ranks

Ford Makes Senior Leadership Changes; Also Moves To Streamline Executive Ranks

Ford Motor Company today announced several executive moves and title changes that will further strengthen the company’s senior leadership team and streamline its officer-level organizational structure.

Stephen Odell is named chief operating officer, Ford of Europe. Odell, 53, will report to John Fleming, president and CEO, Ford of Europe, and assume responsibility for Ford of Europe’s Product Development, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Marketing, Sales and Service operations. Odell joined Ford in 1980 and has held key positions at Ford of Europe, Mazda and Jaguar. In his new role, Odell will accelerate the drive to reduce complexity and lead Ford of Europe’s growing role in developing global vehicle programs.

“Stephen has done an excellent job of reinvigorating our Marketing, Sales and Service functions since he returned to Ford of Europe,” Fleming said. “As we move into a more intensive phase of our global transformation, now is the right time to make more of Stephen’s extensive operational experience around the world. Giving him operational responsibility for Ford of Europe will help us raise our game as we take a prominent role in developing new vehicles globally.”

Ingvar Sviggum, 62, also has been elected a corporate officer and will replace Odell as vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

“I’m delighted that Ingvar will be stepping up to lead Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe. There is nobody better experienced,” Odell said. “He has shown great leadership in driving our recent, strong volume growth across Europe.”

Read the complete Press Release