Aaron Brzozowski
Longtime automotive communications professional Chris Preuss will return to working with Ford Motor Company, effective April 1st, global advertising and PR firm WPP has announced. The 52-year-old PR veteran will lead WPP’s Ford team as Executive VP of Global Public Affairs & Marketing Communications, working in close collaboration with Ford’s Vice President of Communications, Mark Truby, and his team.
“Chris brings a wealth of experience and leadership to WPP’s blended, public affairs team,” Truby says. “We’re very excited to have him back.”
Previously, Chris Preuss worked as Senior VP of Marketing and Communications for Aptiv – formerly Delphi Automotive – from 2014. Before that, he was Ford’s Head of Communications for the Americas and Global Product, after working for the automaker more indirectly through WPP/Go Team Blue from 2011 through 2013.
But Ford Motor Company isn’t just a part of Chris Preuss’ past; it’s in his blood. According to the Detroit Free Press, Preuss’ father Paul was a sportswriter-turned-PR-man who made a name for himself working in product public relations for Ford through the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
“I grew up only wanting to work at Ford PR,” Chris Preuss said, according to the Free Press. “My father covered the racing and Ford product. I can remember him coming home with new Mustangs. It was always my passion to follow in his footsteps.”
“Chris is a strategic and experienced communications pro,” said Go Team Blue CEO Satish Korde of the agency’s new Executive VP of Global Public Affairs & Marketing Communications. “From product to public affairs, his acumen strengthens an already talented team.”
Chris Preuss will replace Gary Koops, who has helped support Ford communications since 2007. Koops will remain a key member of WPP’s Ford team after the transition.
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Sounds like a talented guy. A good American choice for an American Company. Now if he only can let people know that not only does Ford makes truck, SUVs, and CUVs, but also great cars. Long live the Fusion AWD Sport.