Ford Announces Executive Swap

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford's top marketing executive is trading jobs with the head of Ford's European operations.

The company announcing today that Jim Farley will become executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"In his new role, Farley will be responsible for continuing to lead and accelerate Ford's
transformation in Europe, executing the One Ford plan to achieve profitable growth through an
unprecedented focus on new products, a strong brand and increased cost efficiency," read a company statement. "The move is subject to immigration approval."

Farley, a long time Toyota marketing executive, was lured away by Bill Ford in 2007 to head Ford's marketing efforts.

He has a large job, as Ford recently announced that the tough economic times in Europe will lead to more losses in that part of the world than first expected.

As part of the change, current Ford of Europe President Stephen Odell becomes executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. Odell is a 34 year Ford veteran, and has run European operations since 2010.

Both men will continue to report directly to Ford CEO Mark Fields.

"We are excited to see Jim and Stephen take on these new roles as they bring unique skills,
experience and fresh perspectives to these critical positions," said Fields. "These moves also
underscore our commitment to develop our senior leaders through deep experience within both
our business units and our global skill teams."

The change is expected to take effect January first.

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