50 something Car Guy Hazel Replaces 40 something Brand Guy Kelley At Lincoln-Mercury...another "Not a Car Guy" Young'n bites the dust.
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DEARBORN, Mich., July 19 Ford Motor Company today announced that Darryl Hazel will succeed Brian Kelley as president of Lincoln Mercury effective Aug. 1. Kelley has resigned from the company to become president and chief executive officer of SIRVA, a global relocation, moving and logistics company.
Hazel is succeeded as vice president, Ford Customer Service Division by Kathleen Ligocki, vice president, Marketing and Operations. Joe Greenwell, vice president, Global Automotive and Product Promotions and Associations, will succeed Ligocki.
Jim Vella, vice president, Corporate Public Affairs, will assume Greenwell's former responsibilities in addition to his own and has been named vice president, Public Affairs.
Regarding Hazel's appointment, Bill Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company, said: "Darryl's leadership strengths and vast experience with our dealer organizations will move Lincoln Mercury forward as a vibrant marketing, sales and service organization. Lincoln Mercury's success is vital to the company's revitalization."
"I've known Darryl for more than 25 years and consider him a good friend. I believe he is the right choice to lead Lincoln Mercury forward," said Fraser Lemley, chairman of the Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council and chairman and chief executive officer of the Sentry Auto Group in eastern Massachusetts. "I don't know of anyone who is a stronger leader and who better understands the issues and concerns of Lincoln Mercury dealers."
Kelley, 41, joined Ford in June 1999 as a vice president in Marketing, Sales and Service. In January 2000, he became president of ConsumerConnect. In March 2001, he became vice president, Global Consumer Services. Later that year, he was named president, Lincoln Mercury.
"In the three years he has been with Ford, Brian Kelley has brought a fresh perspective, new ideas and tremendous energy to the company," said Ford. "He has been a significant asset to Ford Motor Company, and his contributions will be missed."
"I have enjoyed my time at Ford. It's been a delight working in an industry I love," said Kelley. "I will miss the talented people there and the dealers I've been privileged to work with. I'm very excited about getting started at SIRVA."
Hazel, 53, joined Ford in 1972 as a Lincoln Mercury analyst. During his career, he has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility in Lincoln Mercury, including general sales manager. He also has experience as Ford Division general marketing manager and in marketing research. Hazel spent the last four years leading Ford Customer Service Division. In his new position, Hazel will have responsibility for all aspects of marketing, sales and service for Lincoln Mercury.
Ligocki, 45, joined Ford in 1998 as director of Strategic Planning. She became president and chief executive officer, Ford of Mexico in 2000. Since August 2001, she has played a leadership role in helping to shape the company's revitalization plan. In her new position, Ligocki will be responsible for customer service and parts sales in North America. She will also have global responsibilities for parts supply and logistics, vehicle service and technical support operations.
Greenwell, 50, joined Jaguar Cars in 1983, where he held several senior management positions in marketing, sales and communications. He was Communications vice president, Ford of Europe from 1999 to 2001. In his new position, Greenwell will be responsible for Global Marketing, Ford of Canada, Ford of Mexico and Worldwide Direct Market Operations.
Vella, 46, joined Ford in 1988 as a producer for the Ford Communications Network. He has held a series of positions in Public Affairs including global operations and global manufacturing. He will have responsibilities for worldwide corporate and product Public Affairs activities, including employee communications and media relations.
"The changes we're announcing today will help to move our revitalization forward," said Nick Scheele, president and chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company. "We're at a critical point in our business. Our strong management team will ensure the company's ultimate success."