Ford Reports Changes In Senior Leadership; Names Bradley Gayton General Counsel

(RTTNews) - Ford Motor Company (F) announced a series of changes in its senior leadership team as it continues to deliver the company's One Ford plan for profitable growth. The company noted that the retirements and appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2016

David Leitch, general counsel and group vice president of Ford Motor Company, has elected to retire. Succeeding Leitch will be Bradley Gayton, who is named general counsel and vice president of Ford Motor Company, and elected a Ford Motor Company officer. Gayton currently serves as corporate secretary and assistant general counsel.

Jeff Wood, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, also has elected to retire. Succeeding Wood will be Linda Cash, who is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe. Cash currently is director, Vehicle Operations, Ford of Europe.

In Ford Asia Pacific, Peter Fleet is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Asia Pacific. His appointment is effective Dec. 1, 2015. Fleet currently serves as vice president, Sales, Ford of Europe.

Gary Johnson, currently vice president, Manufacturing, Asia Pacific, will repatriate to the U.S. and lead a special assignment related to Global Manufacturing Planning. Succeeding Gary Johnson is Bill Russo, who is named vice president, Manufacturing, Asia Pacific, and elected a Ford Motor Company officer. He currently serves as director, Global Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering.