Ford Strengthens Global Marketing Function

Ford Motor Company today announced changes to its Global Marketing organization to create a more consistent and compelling connection with customers worldwide, while better leveraging the company’s global assets and capabilities.

Leading the effort will be Elena Ford, 42, who has been named director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations, reporting to Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. Elena Ford, who is currently executive vice president, Ford Motor Credit Company Global Brand and Marketing, begins her new assignment February 1.

“Enhancing the Global Marketing organization is the next step in our One Ford vision to integrate Ford’s worldwide operations and leverage our scale and expertise,” Farley said. “Elena brings a wealth of experience to the new position and is the ideal leader to drive a coordinated approach for our worldwide marketing efforts and speak with one consistent and compelling voice to customers.”

This marketing approach follows consolidation of Ford’s global product development activities in 2006 and global purchasing operations in 2008. It also reflects an aggressive move to global vehicles. All Ford vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within the next five years. They include Fiesta- and Focus-sized small cars, Fusion- and Mondeo-sized mid-size cars and utilities, and commercial vans.