Kumar Galhotra Tapped to Replace Nair as Ford N. American Boss

Ford Motor Co. has appointed Kumar Galhotra to head its North American business as group vice president and president effective March 1.

He replaces Raj Nair, who was abruptly fired yesterday following an internal investigation into reports of “inappropriate behavior.” Nair, who joined Ford in 1987, previously was chief technical officer and led the company’s global product development activities.

Galhotra, 52, currently is Ford's chief marketing officer and group vice president of the company’s Lincoln brand. In his new position, he will report directly to Jim Farley, Ford’s executive vice president and president of global markets.

A native of India, Galhotra joined Ford in 1988. He previously was vice president of engineering and served in various positions in product development and product strategy. Galhotra has a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

Ford also announced several other new executive assignments:

Joy Falotico will take over Galhotra's duties as group vice president of Lincoln and chief marketing officer. Falotico previously was CEO of Ford Credit and will continue to serve as that unit’s chairman.

David McClelland will succeed Falotico as CEO of Ford Credit. He had been executive vice president, marketing and Asia Pacific.

Stuart Rowley was named chief operating officer of North America. He will report to Galhotra. Rowley was previously vice president of strategy.

John Lawler, who had been Ford’s corporate controller, will succeed Rowley as vice president of strategy. Cathy O'Callaghan will move from her position as chief financial officer of Ford South America to become corporate controller.