- John Sullivan is appointed Vehicle Line Director, Global B Segment Vehicles, based at Ford's Merkenich Technical Centre in Germany
- Marin Burela becomes President and CEO, Ford Australia
- Both Appointments are effective October 1
COLOGNE, September 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Company has announced two key senior executive appointments, effective October 1, 2008: John Sullivan as Vehicle Line Director, Global B Segment Vehicles, succeeding Marin Burela who becomes President and CEO of Ford Australia.
In his new role, John Sullivan will lead the ongoing development and success of Ford's B-segment models, including the new Fiesta and Ka, as well as future small car programs that are a defining part of Ford's new global product strategy. He will be based at Ford's Merkenich Technical Centre in Cologne, Germany.
In his previous role as Director of Product Development, Asia Pacific and Africa, Sullivan led the creation and implementation of an integrated product development team and product-cycle process across the APA region.
Sullivan's new role marks a return to Ford's European operations. Prior to his posting in Bangkok, Sullivan worked as Technical Director, International Operations for Ford, Jaguar and Volvo at the company's Dunton Technical Centre in England. He also served as Chief Engineer for Ford of Europe from 1998 to 2005, where he was responsible for the body and safety engineering systems of all Ford vehicles. Sullivan began his career with Ford in 1978. He is a technical expert in the fields of Body Structure design, vehicle crash systems and analytical engineering systems (CAD/CAE/CAM).
"We are delighted to welcome John back to Europe in an extremely significant role," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO. "With the launch of the new Fiesta well underway, and the all-new Ford Ka about to make its public debut, John will inherit some great new products and a strong team with which to continue Ford's future global development of critical B-segment vehicles."
Marin Burela is appointed President and CEO, Ford Australia and will relocate to the company's Melbourne offices. He will report directly to John Parker, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific and Africa. Burela is currently Ford's Vehicle Line Executive Director for Global B Segment Vehicles, based in Germany.
Burela joined Ford Motor Company in 1984, and has served in a variety of senior management positions in Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, and Product Development, in Asia, Europe and North America. These included a number senior management roles at Ford of Australia, where he was last based in 1998.
Burela's appointment to lead Ford Australia marks a return to where his career began with Ford as an engineering graduate of Ford of Australia's graduate programme nearly 25 years ago.
Most recently, Burela has led the team responsible for developing Ford's all-new small cars, the Fiesta and the Ka. The new global Fiesta model represents a template for the development of future global Ford vehicles and is currently launched in European markets. This will be followed by launches in the Asia Pacific and Africa region, and in North America in 2010. The new Ford Ka will be revealed publicly at the 2008 Paris Motor Show on October 2.
“Marin has played a major role in the development of our two new small cars, and his strong leadership and broad experience within Ford Motor Company will be vital to driving the successful future of our operations in Australia," said Fleming. "The reaction to the new Fiesta and the new Ka so far has been very encouraging, and reflects the passion, commitment and professionalism with which he has led the B car team in Europe."