Ford has appointed the great-great-granddaughter of founder Henry Ford as director, global marketing, sales and service operations. The new role is a part of changes to the company’s global marketing organisation.

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Ford, who currently heads Ford Credit’s marketing, starts her new role on 1 February, reporting to group marketing and communications chief Jim Farley.


“Enhancing the global marketing organisation is the next step in our One Ford vision to integrate Ford’s worldwide operations and leverage our scale and expertise,” Farley said. “Elena brings a wealth of experience to the new position and is the ideal leader to drive a coordinated approach for our worldwide marketing efforts.”


Ford consolidated its global product development activities in 2006 and purchasing operations in 2008.


The company said the move reflected “an aggressive move to global vehicles”.

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Elena Ford will be responsible for leading the automaker’s global marketing, sales and service operations to drive commonality and standardisation of marketing resources, Ford said. This will include integrating the company’s marketing team, global agencies and suppliers.


The next generation Focus – which will be introduced in North America, Europe and Asia almost simultaneously in 2010 – will be the first vehicle to benefit from global coordination. 


Elena Ford joined the automaker in 1995 as the truck advertising specialist for Ford Division. She has since held marketing roles for all regions and brands world-wide.


Previous posts included North America product marketing, planning and strategy; director of North America product marketing; director of Ford Division product marketing; and director of business strategy for international automotive operations.