Ford Hires Toyota Veteran and Promotes Family Members to Key Executive Positions

Ford Motor Company has announced significant changes to its executive team, including the promotion of Elena Ford and William Clay Ford III, as well as the addition of Lisa Materazzo. These moves are part of Ford’s efforts to accelerate its customer-focused Ford+ transformation and drive the company’s future success.

Elena Ford, who previously served as the chief customer experience officer, has been promoted to the role of chief dealer engagement officer. In her new position, Elena will work closely with Ford’s dealer network to enhance their transformation into a competitive differentiator. As the first woman in the Ford family to hold an executive position at the company, Elena brings a unique perspective and valuable experience to this role.

“I have worked hand-in-hand with dealers throughout my career, and I am excited to now partner with our 10,000 dealers globally to make our retail network a competitive advantage for Ford,” Elena Ford said. “Our dealers are the face of Ford with millions of customers, and part of the fabric of communities around the world. We can build on that strength through better training, deeper engagement, and more diversity.”

William Clay Ford III, another member of the Ford family, has been appointed as the general manager of the Ford Performance brand. With Ford’s entry into Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, participation in Le Mans, and the launch of a new Mustang racing series, William will play a crucial role in building Ford Performance as both a business and a lifestyle brand. He will collaborate with product developers, marketing teams, dealers, merchandise departments, and racing teams to further enhance the brand’s reputation and reach.

“Ford Performance is in a unique position to grow the passion for our brand throughout the world,” William Clay Ford III said. “We have the best high-performance product lineup and the most exciting motorsport schedule that I have seen in my lifetime, with more to come. I’m excited by the opportunity to use Ford Performance to create new ways for our customers and fans to experience and love our brand, whether or not they own one of our vehicles.”

In addition to the promotions within the Ford family, Lisa Materazzo, a former executive at Toyota, will join Ford as the company’s chief marketing officer. With over 20 years of experience at Toyota, Materazzo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. She will lead advanced product planning and oversee all marketing activities across Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro divisions. Materazzo will also be responsible for Lincoln and Ford Performance.

“The automotive industry is going through a sea change with the electric and software transition, and the more I looked at the bold bets Ford is making on the future, the more I wanted to be part of this mission,” Materazzo said. “Great marketing can supercharge the Ford+ plan because we have the opportunity to win the hearts and minds of customers with seamlessly connected product, service, and ownership experiences that create brand advocates for life.”

These executive appointments reflect Ford’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and growth. By leveraging the expertise of Elena Ford, William Clay Ford III, and Lisa Materazzo, the company aims to strengthen its position in the market and deliver exceptional products and experiences to its customers.

With these key executive positions filled by individuals with diverse backgrounds and extensive industry knowledge, Ford is well-positioned to navigate the evolving automotive landscape and achieve its ambitious goals for the future. As the company continues its Ford+ transformation, customers can expect exciting developments and a renewed focus on delivering excellence in every aspect of their experience with Ford.