Ford Family Members Move Up in Executive Shuffle at Automaker

Ford Motor Co. elevated two members of the founding family in an executive shuffle aimed at improving marketing and relations with its dealers as the automaker shifts to building electric vehicles.

(Bloomberg) — Ford Motor Co. elevated two members of the founding family in an executive shuffle aimed at improving marketing and relations with its dealers as the automaker shifts to building electric vehicles.

Elena Ford, cousin of Executive Chair Bill Ford, was promoted to the newly created position of chief dealer engagement officer effective today, from her previous position of chief customer experience officer, according to a company statement. William Clay Ford III, son of the executive chair, will join the company later this month as general manager of its performance division that develops and markets souped-up models.

The Ford family still controls the 120-year-old automaker through a special class of stock and three of its members sit on the company’s board of directors.

The automaker also named Lisa Materazzo its chief marketing officer. Materazzo previously was Toyota Motor Corp.’s top marketing executive in North America.   

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