Two of Ford Motor Co’s top executives will switch positions, the US carmaker said on Friday, as new boss Mark Fields looks to develop senior managers. Jim Farley, global head of marketing, sales and services, will swap jobs with Stephen Odell, Ford’s regional chief for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The Irish-American Farley (52) will get his first senior operating role and will bring his seven years of experience as marketing chief to Ford’s EMEA operations. Europe is struggling to emerge from its worst auto market downturn in two decades. Odell (59) will move to Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.
“The idea here is to give a ‘fresh eyes’ approach both to EMEA and global marketing, without tearing up everything,” a senior Ford official said.
