Ford Europe boss takes global role

Ford of Europe has promoted vice-president of marketing Murat Yalman to a new position, overseeing marketing services for all the car manufacturer’s brands globally.

Yalman will be replaced by Jürgen Stackmann, marketing director of Ford in Germany.

Stackmann will be responsible for all marketing and advertising agencies for the main Ford brand across Europe, and will oversee pan-European advertising. Brand managers for Ford’s different models will also report to him. His appointment comes as Ford is launching the second-generation Focus hatchback, a crucial car for the company.

The rejig follows the promotion of Ford of Europe vice-president of marketing, sales and service Earl Hesterberg in September to take charge of marketing for the Ford brand in the company’s North American home market (MW September 16).

Yalman will rejoin Hesterberg at Ford’s global headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, and will be charged with centralising all of Ford’s marketing arrangements.

Ford uses WPP Group for all its advertising and media agency requirements globally, but its review of the Jaguar advertising account, held by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/ Y&R, will consider agencies outside WPP.