Ford Gives Top Lieutenants More Power

Ford Motor Co. is promoting two of its top executives to oversee business development, operations and strategy, effective May 1.

Jim Farley, who was named president of global markets last year, now will be president of new business, technology and strategy. His mission will be to head the company’s evolution from carmaker to a higher-margin, growth-oriented mobility provider. Farley 52, will direct Ford’s corporate strategy, global partnerships, data analytics, smart mobility and autonomous vehicle activities, and research and advanced engineering operations.

He also will absorb the current duties of Marcy Klevorn, president of Ford mobility. Klevorn, 59, intends to step down in October after a 36-year career with Ford. Between now and then, she will serve as Ford’s chief transformation officer

Joe Hinrichs, currently president of global operations, will become president of automotive. His primary goal will be to structure Ford’s core business to enable the company to sustain an 8% pretax earnings margin.

His expanded authority will cover product development, purchasing, manufacturing, new-model launches, marketing and sales, information technology, labor relations, quality, sustainability, environmental and safety engineering, and government affairs.

Hinrichs, 52, also will lead the Ford and Lincoln brands, and direct the company’s North America, South America, Europe, China and International business groups.

Farley, Klevorn and Hinrichs each will report directly to CEO Jim Hackett.