Ford has announced that Raj Nair, executive vice president and president, North America, is departing from Ford effective immediately following an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour.
Ford has moved quickly to appoint Nair’s successor, Kumar Galhotra.
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The review determined certain behaviour by Nair was inconsistent with the company’s code of conduct.
“We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett. “Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.”
Said Nair: “I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused. I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future.”
Nair has been president of Ford North America since June 1, 2017. Prior to that, he served as Ford’s head of global product development and chief technical officer.
The sudden departure of a Ford senior executive in such circumstances comes at a bad time for Ford, with the stock price depressed despite the impact of a new CEO in 2017. Last year, CEO Jim Hackett said that there is no place for harassers in Ford Motor Company, following reports of the sexual harassment of female Ford employees at its Chicago plants.
See also: Kumar Galhotra takes over as Ford’s NA chief
