Ms Samardzich has been with the carmaker for more than 26 years, and has served in several leadership positions at Ford in the U.S. and Europe.

“Barb’s leadership and expertise have been critical to the transformation of our Ford of Europe business into a vibrant and profitable organization,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “Over the course of her career, she was instrumental in developing our global powertrain lineup, along with guiding the design and engineering of many Ford vehicles including Mustang and F-Series Super Duty. We are grateful for her many contributions and strong leadership over the years.”

She will be succeeded by Steven Armstrong as vice president and chief operating officer from 1 September. Armstrong is currently president, Ford South America, a position in which he has served since January 2014. In his new role, he will report to Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Succeeding Armstrong is Lyle Watters, who is named vice president, Ford Motor Company and president, Ford South America, effective 1 August. Mr Watters will be responsible for leading all Ford operations in South America and will report to Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, The Americas.

Watters has been chief financial officer and vice president, Finance & Strategic Planning, Ford of Europe.

Other changes see Neil Schloss, Ford vice president and treasurer, gain the role of chief financial officer (CFO), Ford Smart Mobility LLC, a subsidiary formed to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services. In this role, effective 1 August, Mr Schloss will have full responsibility for the financial operations of Ford Smart Mobility LLC.