The Blue Oval is currently in the midst of implementing what it calls the “Ford+” plan, which aims to transform the automaker’s business amid a quickly-changing industry. This process involves developing the second-generation of Ford EVs, an increased focus on the post-purchase experience, and the expansion of Blue Oval Intelligence – the company’s connected vehicle platform, among other changes, as well as a renewed focus on quality with varying targets depending on the model. In recent months, we’ve seen quite a few executive shakeups at Ford as it works to implement this plan, with some retiring, others leaving to pursue other opportunities, and new talent being added. Now, Ford has reshuffled some of its existing executives as it continues to implement the Ford+ plan, the automaker has announced.
Kumar Galhotra
First, we have Kumar Galhotra, who was previously the head of Ford Blue – the company’s ICE division – but will now serve as the chief operating officer and head of Ford’s global industrial system, overseeing all global vehicle engineering and cycle planning, ICE and hybrid programs, supply chain management, and manufacturing of vehicles on behalf of all the business units. He is being replaced by Andrew Frick, who previously managed Ford Blue’s sales and distribution functions; trucks, SUVs, and enthusiast vehicles; as well as operations in Mexico and Canada.
Galhotra will work closely with Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital, and design officer, who is tasked with developing electric vehicles, creating digital platforms, and software for the entire product lineup, as well as leading vehicle and digital design studios. “Additionally, Doug and Kumar’s teams will support our customers and the businesses that serve them by rooting out waste, reducing costs, and raising quality – in design and development, supply chain and manufacturing,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “They’ll give everyone else at Ford even more freedom to get close to, understand and serve customers.”
Doug Field
Peter Stern – who joined the company back in August – will lead the new Ford Integrated Services business, which is tasked with establishing software-enabled services that leverage technologies such as Ford BlueCruise. Additionally, Frick’s team will work with gas and hybrid customers like Marin Gjaja does with Ford Model e EV buyers and Ted Cannis with Ford Pro’s commercial customers. All are tasked with making sure those customers are treated to best-in-class service and experiences. Frick, Cannis, and Gjaja are also responsible for go-to-market initiatives and sales, revenue, and profit growth in those respective business units.
Peter Stern
“These moves will drive clarity and simplicity across Ford, so we can significantly ramp up our capabilities and combine them with businesses that are focused on the needs of different customers,” Farley said. “We’re changing how we work to give those customers experiences that go way beyond their expectations, while maximizing quality, minimizing costs, and stamping out complexity everywhere. We now have the right people with the right talent in the right places to give our customers products, services, and value they can’t get anywhere else.”
We’ll have more on all of Ford’s executive shakeups as they happen, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
The phrase, “shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic” comes to mind.
Give the employees a raise, COLA and give them back their retirement and you will find qualified employees that will make you money. You have to treat your workers like you would want to be treated. My father, brother retired from Ford and my son-in-law and grandson work there. They are honest, hard working employees.
Ford and other vehicle manufacturers have forgotten the American public want affordable transportation that serves their needs. EV vehicles don’t accomplish that need. They are the reverse of what Americans want. The market for EV’s is quickly diminishing since the shortcomings of range, recharging difficulties, and explosions/fire of the battery are front and center of their acceptance by the public. EV’s are not the answer.