Ford Shuffles Senior Management Team

Ford Motor Co.’s heads of global marketing, human resources, quality and global strategy are leaving the company as it redefines its role from carmaker to mobility provider.

CEO Jim Hackett, who replaced Mark Fields five months ago, says the moves aim to help Ford realign its resources and improve global efficiencies. Under the array of new assignments, most of which take effect on Nov. 1:

Kumar Galhotra, 51, has been named chief marketing officer. He will retain is position as head of the company’s Lincoln luxury brand and assume the responsibilities of Stephen Odell, 62, who is retiring as executive vice president of global marketing, sales and service after a 37-year career at Ford. Galhotra will report to Jim Farley, who heads global markets.

Linda Cash, 55, currently head of manufacturing for Ford of Europe, will succeed Bennie Fowler, 61, as vice president of quality and new-model launches. Fowler is retiring after a 27-year career at Ford.

John Casesa, 55, the former Wall Street banker who joined Ford two years ago as vice president of global strategy, will leave the company as the company restructures its global strategy function.

Kiersten Robinson, 47, currently executive director of human resources for global markets, will step in as interim head of HR as Felicia Fields, 52, retires as group vice president of human resources.

Birgit Behrendt, 58 presently the head of global purchasing operations, will move into the newly create position of vice president of joint ventures, alliances and commercial affairs.

Joy Falotico, Ford Motor Credit Co.’s chair and CEO, will report directly to Hackett rather than Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks. Ford Credit’s strategy is focusing more heavily on finding revenue-generating opportunities, including vehicle sharing, flexible payment schemes and other mobility business models.