agent Entrepreneur logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford Motor Co. Names New COO, Mulally to Remain CEO Through at Least 2014

November 1, 2012
2 min to read


Dearborn, Mich. – Ford Motor Co. is further strengthening and developing its leadership team while continuing to deliver the One Ford plan for profitable growth. Alan Mulally plans to continue to serve as Ford president and CEO through at least 2014. At the same time, Mark Fields was named the company’s new chief operating officer, effective Dec. 1.


Mulally will continue leading the long-term strategic development of the One Ford plan and its continuous improvement. Fields will be responsible for all business operations. Fields will continue to report to Mulally, as will the company’s chief financial officer, general counsel and group vice president of Human Resources and Corporate Services.

Ad Loading...


Ford’s automotive business units – The Americas (including both North America and South America); Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific – will report to Fields. Also reporting to Fields will be most of the company’s functional skill teams, including Product Development; Manufacturing and Labor Affairs; Purchasing; Quality; Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering; Information Technology; Government and Community Relations; Marketing, Sales and Service; and Communications.


The company also made several other concurrent leadership announcements, also effective Dec. 1, including:


• Joe Hinrichs was named executive vice president and president of The Americas; Hinrichs is currently group vice president and president of Asia Pacific Africa

• Stephen Odell was named executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa; Odell is currently group vice president, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe; Africa is being realigned with Europe and the Middle East under Odell to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities and efficiencies

• Jim Farley was named executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln; Farley, who is currently a group vice president, adds operating responsibility as the senior global leader for Lincoln, working together with the company’s business units and functions on the re-invention of Lincoln as a world-class, global luxury brand

Ad Loading...

• David Schoch was named group vice president and president of Asia Pacific; Schoch is currently chairman and CEO, Ford of China

• John Lawler was elected a Ford Motor Co. vice president and named chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China; Lawler is currently CFO, Ford Asia Pacific Africa


“Today marks an important next step in the profitable growth of the Ford Motor Company and the appointment of key leaders who will help us continue to make progress on our One Ford plan,” Bill Ford said. “The strength of our people and stability of our team are competitive advantages for Ford. We are fortunate to have Alan’s continued leadership as well as talented senior leaders throughout our company who are developing and working together and delivering on our plan.”

More Industry

Foreign Cars Italia dealership store in front of sunset
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 2, 2026

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands

A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.

Read More →
inside of car, person with hands on black steering wheel
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJuly 2, 2026

Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars

At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.

Read More →
Woman's hands holding an wallet empty of cash
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt

Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rob Mancuso sitting in a chair on stage
Industryby Hannah MitchellJuly 1, 2026

Agent Advocate

Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.

Read More →
Photo of a touchscreen on a car's dashboard
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 25, 2026

Driving Under Distraction

Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.

Read More →
split background green and blue. 2019 to 2025 with car going from starting location to end point. $37,310 and $48,402. Agent Entrepreneur logo
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 25, 2026

Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past

More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of multiple new SUVs on a car dealership lot
Industryby Hannah MitchellJune 22, 2026

State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads

The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.

Read More →
Gas pumps.
Industryby Lauren LawrenceJune 15, 2026

Consumer Outlook on the Rise

Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.

Read More →
Group photo of men outside storefront.
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 28, 2026

Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers

The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hallway with lockered wiring and computer
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 28, 2026

Battery Storage Takes Priority Over EVs

U.S. automakers are prioritizing battery energy stationary storage over electric-vehicle production as the consumer demand for EVs lags the rest of the world.

Read More →
Ad Loading...