Ford raids Toyota/Lexus for marketing vice-president

Ford has poached former Toyota chief Jim Farley as vice-president of marketing and communications. He will report to president and chief executive officer Allan Mulally.

Farley (pictured) joins Ford next month after nearly two decades at Toyota. His most recent role was general manager of the Lexus division where he was responsible for sales, marketing and customer satisfaction.

In his new role, Farley’s remit will include marketing, advertising, digital communications, brand development and product communications.

Farley is Mulally’s first major appointment since he took up his role in September 2006.

Last month, Toyota Motor North America president Jim Press left to become co-president and vice chairman of Chrysler and in August marketing vice-president Deborah Wahl Meyer also defected to Chrysler as chief marketing officer.