Ford's Rintamaki to Retire After 30 Years

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 28 -- Ford Motor Company today announced that John Rintamaki, chief of staff, has decided to retire effective August 1 after 30 years with the company.

Allan Gilmour, vice chairman and chief financial officer, will assume Rintamaki's responsibilities for Human Resources, Government Affairs, Washington Affairs, Environmental and Safety Engineering, and the Ford Fund. Accounting, the Controller's office, Treasury, Investor Relations, and the General Auditor will continue to report to him. Gilmour will report to Bill Ford, chairman and CEO.

"I want to thank John for his 30 years of service at Ford," said Mr. Ford. "His strong leadership, coupled with his extensive experience, have been invaluable to the Ford Motor Company during his career."

"My goal has always been to retire at this juncture in my career," said Rintamaki. "Now, with Bill Ford as chairman and CEO and a strong team supporting him, the time is right to begin the transition."

Public Affairs and the Office of the General Counsel will report to Mr. Ford. He will now have five direct reports: Nick Scheele, president and chief operating officer; Gilmour; Carl Reichardt, vice chairman; Jim Vella, vice president of Public Affairs; and Dennis Ross, vice president and general counsel. The new responsibilities and reporting relationships will be effective March 31. Until his retirement on August 1, Rintamaki will be on special assignment to Mr. Ford.

Rintamaki, 60, joined Ford in 1973 as an attorney at Philco-Ford Corp. He has served in a variety of legal positions of increasing responsibility during his career. He is a member of the board of directors of Ballard Power Systems and the Hertz Corp. He had been chief of staff since 2000.

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