Farley, Odell Exchange Roles In Ford Exec Shuffle
Two Ford execs are about to have their passports stamped, as marketing chief Jim Farley and Ford of Europe general Stephen Odell are switching roles and addresses, effective on New Year’s Day 2015.
Both execs will continue to report to Ford CEO Mark Fields, who had this to say on this exchanging of executives:
We are excited to see Jim and Stephen take on these new roles as they bring unique skills, experience and fresh perspectives to these critical positions. These moves also underscore our commitment to develop our senior leaders through deep experience within both our business units and our global skill teams.
Farley has been in his current role since 2007, having come over to the Blue Oval after a decade of leading Toyota’s marketing efforts. Come January, he’ll be tasked with executing the One Ford plan in Europe “to achieve profitable growth through an unprecedented focus on new products, a strong brand and increased cost efficiency.”
Odell held down the fort since 2010, and was Volvo’s CEO and president from 2008 to 2010. He’s also been with the company for 34 years, and will work on building Ford’s and Lincoln’s global presence “through innovative new digital communications and transforming the retail experience for customers.”
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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"building Ford's and Lincoln's global presence"??? Lincoln has a global presence? It barely exists in the US. With Mercury gone, many Lincoln dealers are glorified used car lots. Good luck with the Lincoln brand, seeing your great success with Volvo (sarc)
OMG... their droid went all glassy-eyed and fell over backwards! ZOMG... any other coots remember Hymie the robot in Get Smart?
Mortal combat. 2 men enter, one new CEO leaves.
I wonder if Jim Farley's gaffe about tracking had anything to do with the switch. Odell is a Ford lifer, and probably will be ready for retirement in a few years, and a temporary banishment to Europe might make the public forget Farley's claim of knowing all the lawbreakers behind the wheel of Ford products. This might be a demotion for a loose lip, and an installation of an old hand to revive Lincoln.