Ford has axed another senior executive post by naming Deborah Coleman executive director, quality, the Americas, effective 1 April and appointing Bennie Fowler the company’s vice president of both global quality – Coleman’s previous post – and advanced manufacturing engineering, the Americas.
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Fowler will continue to report to Dave Szczupak, Ford’s group vice president, manufacturing, the Americas, and, heading global quality, will answer to president and COO Jim Padilla.
In his expanded role, Fowler will oversee “quality processes and discipline” and will remain responsibe for developing product programs and advanced manufacturing processes and ensuring “alignment” between Ford’s product design and manufacturing operations.
Fowler joined Ford as a superintendent at the St. Thomas assembly plant in 1990, and has held a variety of management posts since, including vehicle line director for the F-series ‘Super Duty’ vehicle line, plant manager of Wayne stamping and assembly, executive director for North America product development and chief operating officer for Jaguar and Land Rover.
“Combining Global Quality with Bennie’s existing responsibilities demonstrates the priority that the Company is placing on quality,” said Padilla. “And, Bennie’s track record for leadership in these areas is admirable. He was responsible for driving significant improvements in Jaguar quality during the three years he led that team, and all expectations are that in his new role, he will deliver similar improvements for all of our brands around the world.”
