Mark Fields is out as CEO of the Ford Motor Company. Jim Hackett is the new leader. Ford’s lineup of presidents and vice-presidents is also new, including Mark Truby – new vice presidents of Communications (PR).
Bill Ford remains the Executive Chairman of the company. Bill Ford and Jim Hackett are said to work closely together in the future and focus on the following three priorities: sharpening operational execution, modernizing Ford’s business, and transforming the company to meet future challenges. While these priorities are still high level and somewhat vague, we have to wonder what this will mean for the future of Ford trucks and SUVs?
It’s unlikely that Ford will drastically change its product roadmap. After all, automakers make car and truck plans 4-10 years in advance. Major milestones of new vehicle development that have already been set into motion are likely to continue. Let’s hope that the new Ford Ranger and Ford Bronco are not in great danger of being canceled or delayed.
Surely, investment decisions into model variants and minor vehicle updates will be scrutinized. Ford’s April 2017 sales report is not looking very cheerful. Passenger car sales are down -24.1% YTD, and truck sales are holding steady at 1.6% YTD.
Results of this management shakeup will not be immediate, and we will watch this space closely as Ford responds to fierce competition.
Will Ford cancel or delay its push for automotive mobility initiatives and autonomous vehicles. This is highly unlikely as Bill Ford sees this as an important aspect of the automotive industry. Marcy Klevorn was appointed as executive vice-president and president of Ford Smart Mobility.
How do you feel about this Ford management shakeup?
Here are Roman, Tommy, and Charlotte discussing the new Ford management announcement.
