She will be responsible for many of Ford of Europe’s operations, including manufacturing, quality, product development, purchasing, and sustainability, environment and safety engineering. Ms Samardzich will continue to report to Stephen Odell, executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The appointment forms part of a number of senior leadership team changes as the company announces that Ken Czubay, vice president, US marketing, sales and service, is to retire after working for more than four decades in the automotive industry.

Mr Czubay began his career at Ford in 1970 and served in a variety of management and executive roles at the company for 13 years. In 1983, he left Ford to join Nissan North America and later Southeast Toyota Distributors. He rejoined Ford in 2008 as the company’s leader for US marketing, sales, dealer and service operations.

Succeeding Mr Czubay is John Felice, currently general sales manager for Ford and Lincoln. Mr Felice will report to Hinrichs and to Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Sales, Marketing and Service and Lincoln. Felice will be the senior leader for US marketing, sales and service for Ford and Lincoln. During his nearly 30-year career, Felice has served in a variety of senior Marketing and Sales positions in the US and Asia.

Ford has also announced that Joe Bakaj will succeed Barb Samardzich and is appointed vice president, product development, Ford of Europe. Mr Bakaj currently is vice president, Powertrain Engineering, and oversees all engine and transmission engineering around the world. In his new role, Mr Bakaj will report to Samardzich and to Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development.

In addition, Bob Fascetti is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named vice president, Powertrain Engineering, succeeding Bakaj. He will report to Mr Nair. In his current role as director, Global Engine Engineering, Fascetti leads the engineering operations for all of Ford’s engine development worldwide. During his 25-year career, he has served in a variety of senior leadership positions in Ford’s powertrain, product development and manufacturing operations.

All retirements and appointments are effective from 1st November.