Linde says Reitzle to start as CEO in Jan 2003

FRANKFURT, April 19 Reuters reported that German industrial gas and engineering group Linde AG said on Friday that Ford executive Wolfgang Reitzle would join its board on May 10 and take over as chief executive from January 1, 2003.

Reitzle, formerly head of Ford's PAG luxury car unit, would also take on a consulting role to Ford after the move.

``I am very pleased to be able to continue my association with Ford and with Bill Ford personally via a consulting agreement,'' Reitzle said in a statement.