Stephen Odell has been named chairman-elect of Ford of Britain, replacing Roger Putnam, who is retiring.

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London-born Odell, 50, currently director and senior managing executive officer in charge of marketing, sales and customer services at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, will take up his new position on July 1.


Paul Thomas continues as managing director, responsible for all day to day operations.


Prior to his current assignment Odell was president of Mazda Motor Europe and has previously held marketing and sales positions in Ford in North America, Jaguar and Ford of Europe.

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