This week, Ford Motor Company announced changes to its senior management ranks as part of its strategy for profitable growth with the One Ford plan.
Ken Czubay
These changes include the retirement of Ken Czubay, vice-president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service, the appointment of John Felice to replace him, as well as changes at Ford’s European operations with promotions for Barb Samardzich and Joe Bakaj.
Ken Czubay began his career at Ford in 1970 and served in a variety of management and executive roles at the company for 13 years. In 1983, he left Ford to join Nissan North America and later Southeast Toyota Distributors. He rejoined Ford in 2008 as the company’s leader for U.S. marketing, sales, dealer and service operations.
“Ken is one of the top sales and marketing executives in the auto industry,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice-president and president of The Americas. “His knowledge, passion and strong relationships with our dealers have enabled Ford to capture increased market share and enhance the customer experience. We are grateful for his leadership and congratulate him on his retirement.”
John Felice
John Felice, who will replace Czubay, is currently general sales manager for Ford and Lincoln. Felice will report to Hinrichs and to Jim Farley, executive vice-president, Global Sales, Marketing and Service and Lincoln. Felice will be the senior leader for U.S. marketing, sales and service for Ford and Lincoln. During his nearly 30-year career, Felice has served in a variety of senior Marketing and Sales positions in the U.S. and Asia, including a stint as president of Ford’s operations in Thailand.
Ford also announced that Barb Samardzich will assume the duties of chief operating officer, Ford of Europe. In her new role, Samardzich will be responsible for many of Ford of Europe’s operations, including manufacturing, quality, product development, purchasing, and sustainability, environment and safety engineering. Samardzich will continue to report to Stephen Odell, executive vice-president and president of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Succeeding Samardzich in the role of vice-president, Product Development, Ford of Europe, is Joe Bakaj, who currently heads up Ford’s Powertrain Engineering, and oversees all engine and transmission engineering around the world. In his new position Bakaj will report to Samardzich and to Raj Nair, group vice-president, Global Product Development.
Joe Bakaj
Barb Samardzich
