Ford has executed several changes to its executive team in recent months, which began back in February when the automaker moved Sherry House into the role of chief financial officer, taking those responsibilities from Vice Chair John Lawler, and named Marin Gjajaas its new chief strategy officer. Then, in April, the automaker announced that retiring Lincoln CEO Dianne Craig would be replaced by Joaquin Nuno-Whelan, too. Now, Ford has announced yet another round of leadership changes.
First up, we have Jim Baumbick, who has been appointed as the new president of Ford Europe after most recently serving as vice president, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs. Reporting to Lawler, Baumbick will be tasked with leading the strategic direction for Ford’s European business moving forward. He’ll be replaced in his old role by Sam Basile, who comes from General Motors, where he was the company’s vice president, Global Product Programs.
Bryce Currie, Ford’s vice president, Americas Manufacturing, will take on an expanded role as Chief Manufacturing Officer, with responsibility for global manufacturing and safety. Andrew Frick, who is currently president of Ford Blue and Model e, will now take on additional responsibilities for Lincoln. As a result, the company’s global retail business units for gas, hybrid and electric vehicles, including Lincoln, now fall under one leader.
Both Chuck Gray, vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering, and Darren Palmer, vice president EV programs, are now going to retire as well. Palmer most recently played a crucial role in shaping Ford’s EV strategy, and was a founding member of Team Edison, which launched the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit.
“These global leadership appointments underscore our relentless commitment to building a truly world-class team across Ford, united by a singular focus: delivering product excellence and quality for our customers globally,” said Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO.
A major changing of the guard has taken place.
Designed to retrieve packages from a cargo area easily.
Holding off the fast-growing Chinese brand BYD yet again.
It's the first Bronco model ever designed outside of North America.
As a way to improve situational awareness, it seems.
The new piece celebrates 50 years of the F-150.
View Comments
Is Lincoln still a thing?
Leadership at Ford having a "Mercury Moment" at Lincoln. The brand is slowing setting in the west. As the sun sets so does Lincoln. How about more product we don't care for?
I'm an old guy who can remember when Lincoln was a "real thing" that had status and prestige, and was highly desired by many folks. The 1961 Lincoln was a startling revelation of what an American luxury car could be. We were a Ford family, and had several Lincolns over the years, mostly Marks of various vintages. Now Lincoln is essentially gone. Everyone knows the Navigator is just a plush version of the Expedition. The other models? No one has a clue.
At this rate Ford should just discontinue Lincoln and have a "Navigator" trim level for the Expedition. The war with Cadillac was lost long ago, and now no one thinks of Lincoln in the same category as Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW, or even Audi. What a sad ending for a historic brand.
The two changes that should have happened are sending Jim and Bill off to a remote island, never to be heard from ever again.
Yep but the circus will continue as long as Jimbo and Billy are in charge.