DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor
Company announced today that Robert L. Shanks, currently vice president,
Operations Support, Finance and Strategy, Ford of Europe and Premier
Automotive Group, is appointed vice president and controller, The
Americas, effective Sept. 1.
In his new role, Shanks, 52,
will oversee all of the Company's financial activities in the region. He
will relocate to the U.S., where he will continue in his capacity as a
corporate officer, and will report to both Greg Smith, Ford's executive
vice president, and president of The Americas and to Jim Gouin, the
Company's vice president and Controller.
"Bob's background and
global financial experience make him the right person at the right time to
take on this responsibility. He consistently applies a disciplined
approach to tackling tough issues. Further, he is well-known for his
ability to develop and implement effective business and strategic
plans," said Smith. "Given the challenges the Company is facing
- particularly in North America - we are lucky to have someone like Bob on
our team."
Shanks has a wealth of
experience in business strategy and corporate planning. Prior to his
current position at Ford of Europe and PAG, he most notably served as CFO
for Mazda Motor Corporation and led finance functions in Taiwan's Ford Lio
Ho Motor Company and in Ford's Asia-Pacific operations. He joined Ford
Motor Company in 1977.
Shanks' successor in Ford of
Europe and PAG will be named at a later time.
