Ford picks new European head; puts gas, hybrid, and electric business units under same leadership

[Ford brand logo]
Vera Tikhonova

As part of its Ford+ transformation to strengthen its presence across Europe, Ford (NYSE:F [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/F]) announced key leadership changes in its executive team.

Jim Baumbick, previously Ford’s (NYSE:F [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/F]) vice president of Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs, has been promoted to President, Ford Europe effective November 1. In his new role, Baumbick will lead the teams developing products relevant for the European markets and will report directly to Ford (NYSE:F [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/F]) Vice Chairman John Lawler.

To replace Baumbick in his former role, the company has tapped Sam Basile who comes to Ford (F [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/F]) from its competitor, General Motors (GM [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GM]) where he served as the company’s vice president of Global Product Programs.

The company also expanded Bryce Currie’s role to Chief Manufacturing Officer, and Andrew Frick, currently the president of Ford Blue and Model e, will also assume the leadership role for Lincoln. This puts the company’s global retail business units for gas, hybrid and electric all under the same leadership.

Additionally, Charles Poon will succeed retiring vice president of Vehicle Hardware and Engineering, Chuck Gray. The company also announced the retirement of its vice president of EV programs, Darren Palmer. His replacement has not yet been named.

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