Ford has today announced senior management changes in Europe and North America designed to strengthen its Global Manufacturing operations and achieve better alignment with Ford’s other global functions.
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Effective Dec. 1, James Tetreault, 52, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, will return to the United States and become vice president, North America Manufacturing. As part of his role in leading Ford’s North America Manufacturing operations, Tetreault will drive Ford’s continued efforts to improve manufacturing flexibility and efficiency in North America as the company retools several truck factories to launch a host of smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.
Tetreault will be replaced by Ken Macfarlane, 58, as vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe. Macfarlane, currently director, Manufacturing Operations, North American Truck, becomes a Ford Motor Company vice president with this new assignment.
Tetreault and Macfarlane will report to Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. Macfarlane also will report to John Fleming, Ford Motor Company executive vice president and chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
The organizational changes will allow Hinrichs to focus on driving common best practices across Ford’s Global Manufacturing operations and achieve full alignment with Ford’s Global Product Development and Global Purchasing operations. Hinrichs will continue to oversee Global Labor Affairs and Automotive Components Holdings, LLC.
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By GlobalData“These leadership changes represent an important step toward putting our Global Manufacturing operations fully in place and achieving industry leading flexibility and common global lean manufacturing practices,” said Hinrichs. “Jim is a highly respected executive with a wealth of experience in quality and manufacturing at Ford. Knowing that our North America business is in such capable hands will allow me to focus on my broader global responsibilities.”
Before taking his current assignment in Ford of Europe in 2005, Tetreault held several Ford Manufacturing and Quality leadership positions in North America. He joined Ford in 1988.
“Ken is the ideal person to replace Jim and build on the progress we have achieved in Europe,” Hinrichs said. “His more than 35 years experience in Ford’s operations and his successful track record will be invaluable in his new role.”
Macfarlane joined Ford in 1973 and has held a series of Manufacturing, Quality and Engineering leadership positions in North America.
“Jim did a terrific job for us in Europe during the past three years and while we are sorry to see him go back to the states, we wish him all the best in this new assignment, which is critically important to the global Ford team,” Fleming said. “Ken comes to Europe with top-notch credentials and a strong reputation as a manufacturing expert, and we look forward to the perspective and value that we know he will bring to the table.”
See also: just-auto editor Dave Leggett interviews Jim Tetreault about Ford in Russia earlier this year
