FordDirect Names Valerie Fuller Chief Operating Officer

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 1, 2011; FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchise dealers, announced today the appointment of Valerie Fuller as COO. Fuller previously served as executive vice president of operations for FordDirect and has been a member of the FordDirect management team for the past six years.

"Valerie has been a key driver in aligning FordDirect with the products and services our dealers need," said Stacey Coopes, CEO of FordDirect. "FordDirect is well-positioned for continued growth with innovative digital solutions that connect Ford Motor Company, its dealers and their customers."

Fuller has been responsible for FordDirect's strategy and operations for its dealer products, including the development of mobile marketing, personalized database marketing, dealer website, lead management, search engine marketing, video solutions, and more.  Fuller has also developed and managed regional digital marketing services, delivering solutions for all of Ford's dealer advertising groups.  In addition, Fuller oversees FordDirect's customer service initiatives.

"Valerie's accomplishments and strong track record are assets that have helped FordDirect in our continued growth, and I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship," said Bill Keith, chairman of the FordDirect Board of Directors and dealer principal of Freehold Ford and Steamboat Motors.

Prior to joining FordDirect, Fuller was a Senior Manager with Deloitte Consulting and a Director with Trilogy.  At Deloitte, she led several large scale technology and process transformations in the automotive industry.  At Trilogy, she drove the strategy, development, and delivery of several digital marketing solutions for Ford and Chrysler. 

Fuller earned a B.S.E. degree from the University of Michigan, an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management, and an M.E.M. degree from Northwestern University.

FordDirect Internet referrals represent 22 percent of Ford Motor Co. retail sales. Ford dealers sold more than 275,000 new vehicles from FordDirect Internet referrals in 2010.

About FordDirect

FordDirect (forddirect.com/dealercenter) is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its franchised dealers to create a comprehensive Web presence for dealers and provide digital marketing services that help dealers sell more cars and trucks. FordDirect provides dealers new and pre-owned marketing services, call tracking, lead management solutions, dealer Websites, search optimization and marketing, database marketing, marketing services for regional dealer advertising groups and other digital services. FordDirect is headquartered in Dearborn, Mich.

Web Site: http://forddirect.com/dealercenter