Moving up: Kumar Galhotra (left) has been appointed as the successor to Raj Nair, who suddenly vacated his position as Ford North America executive vice-president and president this week.

FOLLOWING the unexpected departure of Ford North America executive vice-president and president Raj Nair yesterday, his successor has been appointed among a flurry of senior management moves at Ford Motor Company.

Kumar Galhotra, 52, has been promoted to the role of Ford North America group vice-president and president, having most recently served as Ford Motor Company chief marketing officer and Lincoln Motor Company group vice-president.

Mr Galhotra, a 29-year veteran at the Blue Oval, will report directly to Ford Motor Company executive vice-president and president of global markets Jim Farley.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Farley said: “Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation.

“Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability.”

Over his near three-decade tenure, Mr Galhotra has held several senior-level engineering and product strategy positions around the world, including a stint as Ford Motor Company vice-president of product development for Asia Pacific and Africa from 2009 to 2013.

Joy Falotico, 50, will succeed Mr Galhotra, having been named Ford Motor Company chief marketing officer and Lincoln Motor Company group vice-president.

Ms Falotico previously served as Ford Motor Company group vice-president and Ford Motor Credit Company chairman and chief executive officer, with David McClelland, 48, filling the group vice-president and chief executive officer positions.

Mr McClelland was formerly Ford Motor Company executive vice-president of marketing and Asia Pacific. His successor is yet to be named.

Raj Nair

In separate moves, Stuart Rowley, 50, has been appointed Ford North America vice-president and chief operating officer, following his most recent stint as Ford Motor Company vice-president of strategy – a position that has been filled by John Lawler, 51.

Mr Lawler previously served as Ford Motor Company vice-president and corporate controller, a role that will be assumed by Cathy O’Callaghan, 49, alongside the position of chief financial officer of global markets.

Previously, Ms O’Callaghan was Ford South America chief financial officer, but her replacement will announced at a later date.

Announcing the leadership changes, Ford Motor Company president and chief executive officer Jim Hackett said Ford is “very fortunate to have an experienced and committed executive team in place driving every day to significantly strengthen our business while building toward our vision of becoming the world’s most trusted mobility company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world.”

All of these appointments will be effective from March 1, except for Ms O’Callaghan’s new role which will commence on June 1.

As previously reported, Mr Nair suddenly left Ford North America after an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour.

“We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration,” Mr Hackett said. “Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture, and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.”

While the nature of the complaints has not been detailed, Mr Nair apologised in a statement: “I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused.

“I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company, and wish them continued success in the future.”

By Justin Hilliard