Jason Luo, CEO of Ford's China operations, has resigned – effective immediately – for personal reasons after less than five months in the post.
In his role, Luo was responsible for leading the company's operations in Greater China including its import business, Lincoln, its passenger car joint venture Changan Ford, commercial vehicle investment in Jiangling Motors Corporation, and the company's operations in Taiwan.
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Ford vehicle sales in China totalled nearly 1,200,000 vehicles in 2017, down 6% compared to 2016. Luo's appointment was seen as a key part of an effort to energise Ford's performance and set a strategy for long-term growth in the world's largest vehicle market.
"Jason made valuable contributions in accelerating our electric vehicle strategy, exploring opportunities to provide future smart mobility solutions for customers in China, and identifying ways to become more operationally fit," said Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific. "We are grateful for Jason's service to the company and wish him all the best in the future."
Fleet added that "Jason offered his resignation for personal reasons that predate his time at Ford. Ford accepted Jason's resignation as the right way for him and the Company to proceed. Jason's decision was not related to the business strategy or performance of Ford China, which remains robust, with a bright future ahead. We continue to act in the best interest of our company, employees, and stakeholders."
Luo's replacement will be the subject of a future announcement. In the interim, Fleet will assume Luo's responsibilities.
