Future Ford CEO candidates emerge; Talented young executives get chance to make their mark.(News)

Automotive News Europe, May, 2004 by Wilson, Amy

Byline: Amy Wilson

Ford Motor Co.'s young executive talent, neglected under CEO Jacques Nasser, finally is getting its due.

The company's management shakeup on April 22 established a prominent group of executives in their early 50s. It also elevated a younger group in their early 40s who are long-term candidates to replace Bill Ford as CEO.

Leading the list of forty-somethings are Mark Fields, now in charge of Ford of Europe, and Phil Martens, Ford's top product development executive in North America.

The automaker's changes have rewarded team players. For example, Greg Smith, 52, president of the Americas, is "not an egoist - in fact, quite the contrary," says new COO Jim Padilla. "He's an outstanding team builder and team...

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