Ford Shakes Up Senior Management in North America

Folloing recent news that Ford’s North America president, Raj Nair, is leaving the company, effective immediately, following an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behavior, Ford Motor Company has announced other key changes to its senior management team.

Kumar Galhotra, 52, is appointed group vice president and president, Ford North America, effective March 1. Galhotra will be responsible for leading all aspects of Ford’s North American business. He will report to Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president and president, Global Markets.

Galhotra, a 29-year veteran of the company, has served in a variety of senior-level engineering and product strategy positions around the world. In addition, since 2014, he has led Lincoln Motor Company, revitalizing the luxury brand’s model lineup and developing a world-class customer experience. He also has been serving as the company’s chief marketing officer since last year.

Reporting to Galhotra will be Stuart Rowley, 50, who is named vice president and chief operating officer, Ford North America, effective March 1. Rowley, who was previously vice president, Strategy, Ford Motor Company, will be responsible for driving the redesign of the North American business to improve its overall fitness.

Joy Falotico, 50, is named group vice president, Lincoln Motor Company and chief marketing officer, succeeding Galhotra. Her appointment is effective March 1.

John Lawler is appointed vice president, Strategy, succeeding Rowley. Lawler, 51, who joined Ford in 1990, brings a deep background in finance and general management into the strategy role, including his current position as Ford’s corporate controller. Lawler also previously served as chairman and CEO, Ford China. He will report to Shanks in the new role effective March 1.

Cathy O’Callaghan, 49, is named vice president and corporate controller, and CFO, Global Markets, succeeding Lawler. O’Callaghan, who joined Ford in 1990, brings a wealth of finance experience having held several senior level positions globally. She is currently chief financial officer, Ford South America. O’Callaghan will report to Shanks in her role as corporate controller and Farley in her role as CFO, Global Markets. Her appointment is effective June 1 and her replacement will be the subject of a future announcement.

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