Head of Ford's Premier Automotive Group Expected to Leave for Post at Linde

DETROIT -- Wolfgang Reitzle, the head of Ford Motor's Premier Automotive Group luxury vehicle operation, is expected to leave the auto maker for a post as head of German engineering company Linde AG this week, barring a last-minute reversal, according to people familiar with the situation.

Mr. Reitzle's departure from Ford has been rumored for some weeks. Manager Magazin, a German business publication, reported Wednesday that Mr. Reitzle will be named head of Linde's management board. The head of Linde's supervisory board was also a member of BMW AG's supervisory board during the time Mr. Reitzle was No. 2 executive at BMW....