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DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company today announced a series of leadership changes that strengthen its global operations as the company continues to deliver its Ford+ transformation.
"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.
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Jim Baumbick
Jim Baumbick is appointed president, Ford Europe, effective Nov. 1. In this role, Baumbick, who most recently served as vice president, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs, will lead the strategic direction for the company’s European business unit to drive stronger alignment with key stakeholders in the region, develop products relevant for European customers and drive faster, more efficient execution. Baumbick will report to Ford Vice Chair John Lawler. Baumbick has served in a variety of roles at Ford, including as global head of product development.
Succeeding Baumbick as vice president, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs is Sam Basile, who brings nearly three decades of industry and leadership experience from General Motors where he spent most of his career. Most recently, Sam was GM’s vice president, Global Product Programs. He joins Ford Oct. 13, reporting to Ford chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra.
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Sam Basile
Additionally, Bryce Currie, vice president, Americas Manufacturing, takes on an expanded role as Chief Manufacturing Officer, with responsibility for global manufacturing and safety. Kieran Cahill, vice president, Industrial Operations Europe and IMG, will report to Currie.
Andrew Frick, currently president of Ford Blue and Model e, takes on additional responsibilities for the Lincoln Motor Company. As a result, the company’s global retail business units for gas, hybrid and electric vehicles, including Lincoln, are all under one leader. Joaquin Nuño-Whelan will continue in his role as president of Lincoln, reporting to Frick.
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Andrew Frick
Ford also announced the retirement of two long-time product development and engineering leaders, Chuck Gray, vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering, and Darren Palmer, vice president EV programs.
For many years, Gray built a reputation for engineering excellence at Ford. His leadership and technical expertise made significant and lasting contributions to the Industrial System team and broader company. He retires Dec. 1.
Charles Poon, currently director, Electrified Propulsion Engineering, succeeds Gray, effective Nov. 1 as vice president, Vehicle Hardware Engineering reporting to Galhotra.
Palmer most recently played a crucial role in shaping Ford’s electric vehicle strategy, and was a founding member of Team Edison, which launched the award-winning Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and E-Transit. His retirement is effective Nov. 1.
