Ford names new executives for Asia, Africa divisions

Ford Motor Company today announced key executive appointments within the senior leadership team of its Asia Pacific and Africa business unit to support the continued expansion of the company's fast-growing China operations and to deepen its partner relationships and synergies with Mazda. The appointments are effective April 1.

Mei-Wei Cheng has been elected group vice president, Ford Motor Company, and named executive chairman of Ford Motor China. Cheng previously served as chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China. He will continue to report to John Parker, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company’s Asia Pacific and Africa business region.

“Mei Wei is an exceptional leader who has been pivotal to the success we’re experiencing within our China operations today,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “He has led the team responsible for growing Ford’s brand and product presence in China, making Ford one of the fastest growing automakers in that market during the past few years. I look forward to his continued leadership in this region, which is extremely important to Ford.”

In his new role, Cheng will be responsible for Ford Motor China's business strategy, as well as strengthening strategic partnerships and government relations. Since joining Ford in 1998, Cheng has been instrumental in establishing and growing Ford Motor China's joint-venture partnerships with Changan Group and Jiangling Motors Corporation, launching the Ford brand in China, and continuously expanding the infrastructure and operations of Ford Motor China.

“Mei-Wei is vital to our continual drive for further expansion in the China market. Under his leadership, Ford has made a successful and rapid climb into China's top ten auto makers. We're more competitive today, and better positioned for the future, thanks in large part to his strategic direction,” John Parker said.

Robert J. Graziano, currently executive vice president for Mazda Motor Corporation, has been appointed president and CEO, Ford Motor China. In his new role, Graziano, who continues as a Ford Motor Company vice president, will assume direct responsibility for the operations and business leadership of Ford Motor China. Graziano will remain a representative director on Mazda's Board of Directors.

“Bob's hands-on leadership style and commitment will be central to driving our China business and future growth plans for the China market. Working together with Mei-Wei and the entire Ford Motor China management team, we're confident that he'll continue the successful push of our brand presence, and increasing sales and market share,” Parker said.

Graziano began his career with Ford in 1982, and has held positions in Sales and Marketing, Finance, and Product and Brand Strategy, as well as in general management, running Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, and most recently at Mazda, based in Hiroshima, Japan.

Philip G. Spender has been elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and executive vice president of Mazda Motor Corporation. Spender, a 32-year veteran of Ford, is currently the company's chief operating officer of Ford Motor China, where he has had oversight of the company’s operations and joint ventures in Greater China. In his new role, Spender will continue to drive Mazda's successful brand building around the world.

“Phil is a deeply experienced auto industry professional. He has played an integral role in the development of Ford and Mazda's strong partnership, including leading Auto Alliance International, the successful joint-venture between Ford and Mazda in North America, and presiding over the formation and expansion of Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., our successful joint-venture in China,” Parker said. “It's this experience and these contributions that have led to his appointment on Mazda's global leadership team.”

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 245,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.