Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas, further cemented his chances of becoming chief executive of Ford Motor Co. with Thursday’s announcement of his promotion to the new position of chief operating officer, effective Dec. 1.
The announcement was made by Bill Ford, the executive chairman, and Alan Mulally, the 67-year-old CEO whose retirement has been a topic of speculation. Bill Ford also announced that Mulally, who orchestrated a financial, cultural and product-led turnaround, will remain as CEO and president through at least 2014. That would make Mulally the longest-tenured Ford CEO Henry Ford II, who held the reins for 34 years.
“Alan will be here two more years and could go longer,” Bill Ford said. “I love working with Alan. I’d like him to stay forever.” Mulally will continue to oversee the One Ford global plan, while Fields will be responsible for the day-to-day business operations.
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