Ford names new head of North American business

FORD has named a new chief for its North American operations, less than a day after sacking the old one over allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.

His name? Kumar Galhotra, a longserving Ford veteran credited with helping to turn the idling Lincoln luxury sub-brand into the domestic powerhouse it is today.

“Ford Motor Company today announced key changes to its senior management team as it continues to strengthen its automotive business, improve the company’s operational fitness, and accelerate a strategic shift to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” the car maker said in a release that makes the best of the previous day’s turd sandwich.

Galholtra will be responsible for leading all aspects of Ford’s North American business, Ford said. He will report to Jim Farley, Ford’s executive vice-president and president of global markets.

“Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation,” Farley said.

“Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability.”

Galholtra’s elevation has opened the door to Joy Falotico, the former chairman of Ford’s finance division who now becomes the group vice president, Lincoln Motor Company. She is tasked with “leading the continued evolution of Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand”.

The man Galhotra has replaced, Raj Nair was unexpectedly and summarily dismissed from his position heading up Ford’s North American operations yesterday after what appears to be an embarrassing turn of events for the company.

Nair’s departure came after what Ford said was an “ internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour” that were “ inconsistent with the company’s code of conduct”.