Ford's Stevens to Resign as COO

Washington DC September 14, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Anne Stevens - one of the architects of Ford's initial "Way Forward" restructuring plan and one of the highest-ranking women in the automotive industry – is expected to hand in her resignation as early as today, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Stevens, an auto industry veteran with experience in engineering, manufacturing, and management, was promoted to chief operating officer of Ford's Americas division last October.

She has been a Ford employee since 1990. Stevens' plan to leave the company is one of several crucial pieces in play in the automaker's revised restructuring plan.

A revised plan is expected to be announced at the conclusion of a company board meeting later today. Shares of Ford increased 13 cents yesterday to $9.19 – their highest level since October.