Ford has promoted European marketing, sales and service chief Stephen Odell to chief operating officer, reporting to president and CEO John Fleming.


From 1 April, that puts him in charge of product development, manufacturing and purchasing as well as marketing, sales and service operations.


Odell joined Ford in 1980 and has held key positions at Ford of Europe, Mazda and Jaguar.


“Stephen has done an excellent job of reinvigorating our marketing, sales and service functions since he returned to Ford of Europe,” Fleming said. “As we move into a more intensive phase of our global transformation, now is the right time to make more of Stephen’s extensive operational experience around the world. Giving him operational responsibility for Ford of Europe will help us raise our game as we take a prominent role in developing new vehicles globally.”


Ingvar Sviggum will replace Odell in the marketing, sales and service role.

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