Former Researcher Becomes Ford CEO

In the US, former Ford Motor Co. Market Research Analyst Mark Fields is to become the company's ninth President and Chief Executive Officer, when Alan Mulally retires in July.

With about 183,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the Dearborn, Michigan-based company manufactures or distributes automobiles across six contents, while also providing financial services through its Ford Motor Credit Company.

Fields (pictured),who joined the company's market research team in 1989, has led the turnaround of Ford's businesses in the Americas, Asia and Europe through a focus on delivering product excellence, innovation and operating efficiency. In his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Fields has been overseeing the company's global business operations and teams including product development, manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and sales. Earlier, he was EVP, The Americas; led Ford's South American operations; was SVP, Premier Automotive Group; and EVP, Ford of Europe. He also served as Mazda Motors Corporation first Global Marketing and Sales Director, and then as its President and MD.

He takes over as CEO On 1st July, when Mulally steps down after eight years in the role. In a statement, Mulally thanked the Ford team, adding: 'By working together with all of our stakeholders around the world, we now are accelerating Henry Ford's original vision to open the highways to all mankind. Ford's future is so bright, and Mark - supported by an experienced and dedicated senior leadership team - is absolutely the right leader to continue to deliver on our compelling vision.'

Web site: www.ford.com .