Ford Motor Company today announced global leadership changes as it continues to redesign company operations for long-term success.
In Global Markets, Kumar Galhotra, 51, is named Group Vice President, Lincoln and Chief Marketing Officer, effective November 1. He will report to Jim Farley, Executive Vice President and President, Global Markets.
In this expanded position, Kumar will continue to lead the transformation of Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand, a role he has held since September 2014.
He also will lead the Marketing function shifting investments towards product categories that play to Ford’s strengths, and developing more effective brand communications including digital services, emobility and autonomy. This supports Ford’s smart vehicles in a smart world vision and includes the evolution of a more efficient distribution model using digital platforms.
With nearly 30 years of global experience within Ford and Lincoln, Galhotra has a deep understanding of product development, business strategy and the role that marketing, sales and service plays within the process.
At the same time, Stephen Odell, 62, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service has elected to retire, after 37 years of service at Ford.