Jim Baumbick to lead quality, integrated closely with his engineering responsibilities. Stuart Rowley, chief transformation and quality officer, retiring after accomplished 32-year career
Three Ford Motor Company senior leaders – Joy Falotico, Stuart Rowley, and Steven Armstrong – have announced plans to retire after serving in transformational roles during careers that span more than three decades at Ford.
With these changes, Jim Baumbick, vice president, product development operations, cycle planning and internal combustion engine programs, will take on responsibility for delivering industry-leading quality at Ford.
“Quality is our No.1 priority as a company and Jim Baumbick is the right leader to deliver world-class quality and reliability at Ford with a disciplined process that runs from our supply chain to our engineering labs all the way to the factory floor,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.
Josh Halliburton, executive director of quality, will now report to Baumbick, further integrating quality improvement across workstreams in product development, including design, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing.
Stuart Rowley, Ford’s chief transformation and quality officer, plans to retire Dec. 1 after more than 32 years with Ford. Over the course of his career, he served in a series of senior leadership roles, including as CFO, Volvo Cars; CFO, Ford of Europe; Ford’s global controller; head of strategy; chief operating officer, Ford North America; and president, Ford of Europe.
“No matter the role, Stuart has always taken on tough challenges and led positive change,” Farley said. “I’m especially grateful to Stuart for leading the redesign of our European business to become much leaner and focused on our commercial vehicles business and transition to EVs.”
Joy Falotico, president of Lincoln since 2018, is retiring Dec. 1 after helping to drive the resurgence of Ford’s storied luxury brand, including its growth in China, strengthening the Lincoln retail network and setting the stage for the brand’s electric and digital future.
“Joy has been a wonderful steward of Lincoln, building out its distinctive lineup of vehicles and experiences, polishing the Lincoln brand image, and overseeing a promising growth strategy in China,” Farley said. “As Lincoln embarks on its second century, it is well positioned to flourish with a new generation of electric and connected vehicles.”
Under Falotico’s leadership, Lincoln refined its Quiet Flight brand DNA manifested by elegant design, a smooth, quiet driving experience, and a sanctuary-like experience inside the vehicles. During her tenure, Lincoln launched popular new models like the new Lincoln Aviator and Corsair, the Lincoln Zephyr in China and the Lincoln Star and Lincoln Model L100 concept vehicles.
She previously served as Ford’s chief marketing officer and chairman and CEO of Ford Credit.
Falotico will be succeeded by Dianne Craig, who brings deep experience in sales, marketing, advertising, field operations and dealer relations to the global Lincoln role. She will report to Farley.
“With Dianne’s global experience, her success in strengthening Ford’s IMG operations and her deep respect and knowledge of our dealer network, combined with her passion for Lincoln, Dianne is an incredible leader to advance the Lincoln brand,” said Farley.
Craig’s successor as head for Ford International Markets Group will be the subject of a future announcement.
Steven Armstrong, vice president, India and South America Transformation, will retire Jan. 1, 2023, after 35 years with Ford. He has held many senior management and purchasing positions for Ford-owned Jaguar and Volvo in addition to Ford of Europe. He was president, Ford South America, vice president and chief operating officer, Ford of Europe, and then group vice president and president, Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to his current role, Armstrong was president, Changan Ford.
“Steve’s leadership has been critical to the significant improvement we have seen in many of our international markets,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue. “He has taken challenging assignments in the Ford world and always made a positive difference.”
Going forward, responsibilities for Ford’s business in South America will be part of Ford Blue under Galhotra and Ford’s India operations will be part of Ford’s IMG unit. Additionally, Ford Business Solutions will now report to Mike Amend, Ford’s chief enterprise technology officer.
SOURCE: Ford
Keyword: Ford’s Jim Baumbick to oversee quality; Armstrong, Rowley, Falotico to retire; Craig to lead global Lincoln business