Mediaboss Marketing

Jim Farley embraces change and technology at Ford Motor Co.

Jim Farley, of Ford Motor Co., reflects on his time at the company and how his love of cars has helped his career and embrace change in the industry.

Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press

In its ongoing effort to add muscle to the Fordleadership team, the Dearborn automakerannounced Mondaytwo key hires including another high-profile executivefrom Apple.

This is all part of the evolution of Ford Blue, Ford Model e and Ford Pro, divisions that focus on the gasoline-powered vehicles, electrification and technology and business clients,respectively,that Ford CEO Jim Farley unveiled earlier this month.

The latest:

Waldo, who will report directly to Farley, movesinto the top human resources role currently held by Kiersten Robinson. ShewilloverseetheFord Blue Family Vehicles divisionof SUVs, and assumethe "critical global operating role within Ford Blue as president of Mexico and Canada," Farley said in a news release.

Robinsonis"a transformational leader who hasbeen instrumental in supporting Fords business and global team for nearly three decades," Farley said.

Shewill report to Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue.

The transition is to occur sometime during second quarter, spokesperson Ian Thibodeau told the Free Press. Waldo still had her Apple affiliation listed on her LinkedIn professional profile Monday afternoon.

Ford notedthatWaldo, who has worked in Michigan and Ohio prior to landing in Silicon Valley, has extensive experience leadingorganizational change.

Jen has incredible experience and a track record of helping companies across different industries build talent and culture to support innovation and growth, Farley said. She will be an invaluable addition as we build a diverse, high-performance team to deliver the Ford+ plan.

Before working at Apple, Waldo spent nearly two decadesworking for GE business units, including GE Digital, which providessoftware andInternet of Things services to industrial companies, the news release said.

More: Ford CEO gives employees sobering data about Tesla, challenges ahead

More: Ford's plan to funnel $3B from gas vehicles to fund electric, tech

She led the hiring and building of software talentacross GEs industrial businesses.Earlier, Waldo was with GE Aviation, starting in manufacturing plants and later being promoted to global responsibilities. She isexperienced withinclusion and diversity, recruiting and executive development, the Ford release said.

More: Ford's racial equity director, Angela Henderson, tackles 'elephant in the room'

More: Ford CEO Jim Farley gets $22,813,000 compensation package in 2021

Waldo has a bachelor's degree in political theory and a master's degree in human resources and labor relations from Michigan State University.

ChristopherSmith takes a role that is exceptionally valuable during times of regulatory change in the U.S. and globally. Issues relating to privacy, security and environmental impact fall within his purview.

He succeeds retired chief government affairs officer Mitch Bainwol.

Smithwill report toSteven Croley, Ford general counsel.

Chris has devoted his career to shaping progressive energy policy and driving toward a more sustainable future, said Steven Croley, Ford general counselsaid in the news release.He brings tremendous passion and expertise to Ford as we shape the future of transportation.

Smithoversaw policy, international engagement, and research and developmentduring his eight years and two positions at the U.S. Energy Department, according to the news release. Prior to that, heheldanalytical positions at Chevron for 11 years in Bogota, Colombia, and in Houston, Texas, as well as Citibank in New Yorkand JPMorgan in London, according to hisLinkedIn professional profile.

More: Ford CEO says automaker is sold out of electric vehicles: What it really means

More: Ford CEO Jim Farley gave us big clue automaker's stock was going to surge

Smith, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering management, served as a task force engineer in the U.S. Army and a platoon leader, according to his LinkedIn professional page.

He earned a bachelor'sdegreein mathematics from American Public University in Charles Town, West Virginia, and an MBAfrom the University of Cambridge in England.

In February, Ford announced hiringAlan Clarke, atop engineer atTesla for the past 12 years. He isa key playerin the advanced electric vehicle development department and reporting to Doug Field, a former Tesla engineer whojoined Ford in Septemberand nowruns itsadvanced technology and embedded systems.

Ford has a new policy where ages of new hires are not released, Thibodeau told the Free Press.

More: Lawsuit: Unsealed emails suggest Ford targeted high-performing older workers

More: Ford settles lawsuit alleging automaker targeted high-performing older workers

More: Ford doubles annual bonuses amid worker fury over controversial formula

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid. Read more on Ford and sign up for our autos newsletter.

Excerpt from:
Ford hires away from Apple again, woos energy executive to lead DC team - Detroit Free Press