Ford Powertrain Chief to Head European Product Development

Ford Motor Co. has appointed Robert Fascetti, who has headed the company's global engine engineering since April 2011, to become head of global powertrain engineering on Nov. 1.

He will report to Raj Nair, group vice president for global product development.

Fascetti succeeds Joe Bakaj, who will take over as vice president for product development at Ford of Europe. Bakaj replaces Barb Samardzich, who has been named chief operating officer for the European unit.

Fascetti led the design and development of Ford's entire EcoBoost engine lineup, including the company's new 1.0-liter three-cylinder powerplant. He holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's in engineering systems, both from Oakland University in Michigan.