David Friedman to step into Spender's shoes at Ford

Ford India on Tuesday announced the appointment of David Friedman as its new president and managing director. Thirty-nine-year-old Friedman takes over from Philip G Spender who was relocated to the United States late last month.

Friedman, who joined Ford India in end-1998, was, till now, vice-president, finance and systems at Ford India and was instrumental in developing the business model for the company's operations in the country. Apart from heading the financial operations of Ford India, Friedman also played a key role in establishing Ford Information Technology Services India, the hub for Ford's IT initiatives in India and the Asia-Pacific region.

Friedman joined Ford Motor Company in 1986 as a financial analyst at the Dearborn Engine Plant in the Ford Rouge Complex at Dearborn, Michigan, USA, and has been with the automobile company for over 15 years now. Friedman holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from Georgetown University and an MBA in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago. Prior to assuming his responsibilities at Ford India, Friedman was finance director of Ford Vietnam.

Friedman comes in at a time when the company is getting ready for a major push in the Indian market with some new brand launches. He will lead the development phase of operations at Ford India and will spearhead the company's entry into the D segment with the launch of the new Ford Mondeo scheduled for end 2001.

For the records, outgoing president Phil Spender has been appointed president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer for Auto Alliance International Inc (AAI). AAI, based in Flat Rock, Michigan, US, is a joint venture between Mazda and Ford Motor Company and produces the Mazda 626 and the Mercury Cougar.

Spender has been with Ford Motor Company for more than 26 years now and has valuable cross-functional experience, say the company brass. Spender took charge of Ford India in January 1999 and guided the organisation at a crucial time when it was getting ready to set up a new plant at Maraimalainagar and launch a new car, the Ford IKON. Under him, the IKON established itself as the leader in the mid-sized car market with 24 per cent market share and went on to win several Car of the Year awards and the Best Brand of the Year award.

Spender's move was part of several international management changes at Ford Motor Company. "We have an extremely talented management team at Ford Asia-Pacific, and the strength of that team is reflected in these moves," said Vaughn Koshkarian, Ford Motor Company, vice-president and president of Ford Asia-Pacific.

© agencyfaqs! 2001