Covisint today announced that Karen C. Francis, vice president, Ford Motor Company, and president and CEO of ConsumerConnect, a Ford enterprise, has agreed to join the company’s Board of Directors. She replaces Brian P. Kelley, who is leaving the Board to focus on his new role as the president of Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Mercury division.
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Ms. Francis is responsible for the development and implementation of e- business strategies and initiatives for the full range of the company’s products and services to include e-business activities, telematics, customer relationship centers and e-supplier relationships.
“Karen’s vast knowledge and experience in the automotive industry is of immense value to us,” said Kevin W. English, chairman, president and CEO of Covisint. “We look forward for her guidance and counsel in the company’s endeavors.”
“I am privileged to join Covisint’s Board of Directors. It is a great opportunity to be part of shaping a company that is driving industry standards and connecting the global automotive industry,” said Ms. Francis.
Prior to joining Ford, Ms. Francis served as the general manager of the Oldsmobile division, brand manager for the Chevrolet Venture minivan and as a regional sales manager for Chevrolet at General Motors. She was named the “Top Newsmaker of 1999” by Automotive News and in 1998 “Woman to Watch” by Advertising Age.
Previously, Ms. Francis served as the vice president of marketing at Empire Berol Corporation and was a consultant at Bain & Co. She began her career at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was also the founding president of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority at Dartmouth College.
