- Stephen Odell appointed Chief Operating Officer, Ford of Europe
- Ingvar Sviggum becomes Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe
- Odell reports to John Fleming who continues as President and CEO, Ford of Europe
COLOGNE, March 14, 2008 – Ford Motor Company today is making a number of personnel announcements designed to strengthen its European senior management team and organization.
Stephen Odell is named Chief Operating Officer, Ford of Europe. Odell, 53, will report to John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe, and assume responsibility for Ford of Europe’s Product Development, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Marketing, Sales and Service operations. In his new role, Odell will accelerate the drive to reduce complexity and lead Ford of Europe’s growing role in developing global vehicle programs.
“Stephen has done an excellent job of reinvigorating our Marketing, Sales and Service functions since he returned to Ford of Europe,” Fleming said. “As we move into a more intensive phase of our global transformation, now is the right time to make more of Stephen’s extensive operational experience around the world. Giving him operational responsibility for Ford of Europe will help us raise our game as we take a prominent role in developing new vehicles globally.”
Ingvar Sviggum, 62, will replace Odell as Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe and also has been elected a corporate officer.
“I’m delighted that Ingvar will be stepping up to lead Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford of Europe - there is nobody better experienced,” said Odell. “He has shown great leadership in driving our recent, strong volume growth across Europe.”
Both appointments are effective on April 1.
Also reporting to Odell in his new position will be Jim Tetreault, Vice President, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, Joe Bakaj, Vice President, Product Development, Ford of Europe and Birgit Behrendt, Vice President, Purchasing, Ford of Europe.
John Fleming, 57, continues to lead Ford of Europe as its President and Chief Executive Officer, reporting to Lewis Booth, Executive Vice President for Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group. Fleming remains responsible for the development and implementation of the Ford of Europe business plan in all its aspects, and chairs the Ford of Europe Executive Operating Committee.
"Ford of Europe is seeing impressive growth performance in many markets and has an aggressive new product introduction programme that sees over 20 new vehicles and derivatives being launched this year alone," said Fleming. "Now, with Ford of Europe playing an increasingly important role in the development of global products like the all-new Fiesta, the time is right to strengthen the leadership team and maintain this momentum for a strong future."