Back in October 2020, Ford CEO Jim Farley outlined a number of executive shakeups in The Blue Oval’s ranks as he laid out the company’s Ford+ plan for growth. Those changes included naming John Lawler as the new chief financial officer (CFO) of Ford, who replaced the outgoing Tim Stone. Now, however, John Lawler will be taking on broader responsibilities as he will continue to serve in his current role – at least temporarily – and becomes the company’s new vice chair, FoMoCo has announced.
Ford already has a succession plan in place for Lawler, however, as it has hired Sherry House – most recently the CFO of electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors – who will initially join The Blue Oval as vice president of finance. House will eventually take over as Ford’s CFO in early 2025, but in the meantime, she will oversee financial planning and analysis as well as the finance organizations for the company’s three business units – Ford Blue, Ford Pro, and Ford Model e.
As for Lawler’s new role as vice chair, he will oversee the next phase of the automaker’s strategic development, helping to make critical decisions in the areas of markets, technologies, segments, and alliances. Lawler will play a big role in the company’s current and future global partnerships, and engage with leaders around the world in markets such as Europe, China, and Southeast Asia, too.
“The progress we’re achieving with Ford+ enables us to make these moves and drive a new level of strategic focus and execution,” Farley said of these moves. “John is an outstanding strategic business leader and can leverage his talent and global experience to help Ford compete and win in this fast-changing and extremely competitive environment. At the same time, Sherry adds an important leadership dimension to Ford as we urgently build a profitable EV business, generate new and recurring revenue streams, and create a more dynamic and resilient company. Sherry combines deep roots and a passion for the auto industry with real-world experience in investment banking, mobility and technology, including EVs and autonomy.”
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Comment
Lawler and Cannis are the only two people at Ford that, when they talk, I listen. Farley never says anything insightful, and others just talk in marketing-speak. I’m glad Lawler is getting promoted. He seems to have his head on straight.