On the Dash:
- Jim Baumbick will lead Ford Europe beginning Nov. 1 as part of the company’s global realignment.
- Former GM executive Sam Basile joins Ford to oversee advanced product development.
- Ford consolidates its global retail divisions and announces the retirements of Chuck Gray and Darren Palmer.
Ford Motor Company has announced a series of executive appointments aimed at advancing its Ford+ transformation and strengthening global operations. The leadership changes, effective this fall, align with the company’s efforts to drive product excellence, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction worldwide.
Jim Baumbick has been named president of Ford Europe, effective Nov. 1. Baumbick, who most recently served as vice president of Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs, will oversee the automaker’s strategic direction in Europe. His focus will include improving collaboration with regional stakeholders, developing vehicles tailored for European markets, and accelerating execution. He will report to Ford Vice Chair John Lawler.
Succeeding Baumbick is Sam Basile, who joins Ford on Oct. 13 as vice president of Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning and Programs. Basile brings nearly 30 years of experience from General Motors, where he most recently served as vice president of Global Product Programs. He will report to Chief Operating Officer Kumar Galhotra.
Bryce Currie, currently vice president of Americas Manufacturing, will expand his responsibilities as Chief Manufacturing Officer, overseeing global manufacturing operations and safety. Kieran Cahill, vice president of Industrial Operations for Europe and IMG, will report to Currie.
Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e, will now lead all global retail business units, including Lincoln. The expanded role consolidates Ford’s gas, hybrid, and electric vehicle divisions under a single leadership structure. Joaquin Nuño-Whelan will continue as president of Lincoln, reporting to Frick.
In addition to the new appointments, Ford announced the upcoming retirements of two long-serving executives. Chuck Gray, vice president of Vehicle Hardware Engineering, will retire on Dec. 1 after decades of leadership in engineering and product development. He will be succeeded by Charles Poon, currently director of Electrified Propulsion Engineering, effective Nov. 1.
Darren Palmer, vice president of EV Programs and one of the founding members of Team Edison, will retire Nov. 1. Palmer played a key role in shaping Ford’s EV strategy and the launch of flagship models such as the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit.
