Ford appoints new global marketing chief

Ford%20logoFord has appointed Elena Ford as its new director of global marketing, sales and service operations. She is the great great granddaughter of company founder Henry Ford.

Her appointment comes as Ford announces changes to its global marketing strategy. The company says it wants to create “a more consistent and compelling connection with customers worldwide, while better leveraging the company’s global assets and capabilities”.

Ford will report to Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of marketing and communications. She is currently executive vice president of Ford Motor Credit Company global brand and marketing and begins the role on February 1.

Ford says the new marketing approach follows consolidation of its product development activities in 2006 and global purchasing operations in 2008.

In the newly established role, Ms Ford will be responsible for integrating the company’s marketing team members, global agencies and other supplier partners with a common and integrated plan to bring new global vehicles to market.

Her first product launch will be the new Ford Focus which will be introduced in North America, Europe and Asia in 2010.