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Ford announces appointments in North America, Europe

Ford Motor Co. today announced executive elections and appointments in North America and Ford of Europe.

Derrick Kuzak has been appointed vice president, North America Engineering, effective August 1. Kuzak replaces Will Boddie, Jr., who has elected to retire. In his new position, Kuzak has overall responsibility for engineering signoff of all North American vehicles and direct responsibility for key commodities and common platform parts.

Stephen Odell has been elected a vice president of Ford Motor Company, and appointed vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe, effective September 1. Odell, who currently serves as chairman elect Ford of Britain, succeeds Geoff Polites, who recently was appointed chief executive officer, Jaguar and Land Rover, also effective September 1. In their new roles, Odell reports to Lewis Booth, chairman and chief executive officer, Ford of Europe, and Polites reports to Mark Fields, executive vice president, Premier Automotive Group and Ford of Europe.

Joe Bakaj has been appointed vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe, effective August 1. He leaves a product development role at Mazda Motor Corp. to succeed Derrick Kuzak.