Both will continue to report to Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, who said: ‘We are excited to see Jim and Stephen take on these new roles as they bring unique skills, experience and fresh perspectives to these critical positions. These moves also underscore our commitment to develop our senior leaders through deep experience within both our business units and our global skill teams.’

The changes were announced amongst a raft of senior leadership team changes that also see Nick Smither, group vice president and chief information officer, elect to retire after a 34-year career. Marcy Klevorn succeeds Mr Smither and has been elected a Ford Motor Company officer.

Meanwhile Robert Brown, vice president, sustainability, environment & safety engineering, has also elected to retire after a 35-year career, with Kim Pittel named as his replacement and also elected a Ford Motor Company officer.

To read IHS Automotive’s commentary on the changes, click here.