Manufacturing execs Stevens, Szczupak retire from Ford

Ford Motor Company on September 14 announced that Anne Stevens, executive vice president and chief operating officer - The Americas, and David Szczupak, group vice president - Manufacturing, The Americas, have elected to retire.

"Anne Stevens' accomplished career has made Ford Motor Company operations stronger around the world, and she has been a role model in our industry," said Ford executive chairman Bill Ford. "Anne's candor and her leadership style have touched many lives. We wish her every success as she begins this next chapter in her own life."

Stevens, the first female executive vice president in Ford Motor Company history, joined the company in 1990 as a marketing specialist in the Plastic Products Division. She moved through the international manufacturing ranks and, in 1995, became the company's first female plant manager in Europe, as well as leading product development of Ford's European small cars.

She returned to the U.S. in 1999 as a senior leader in manufacturing. When named vice president of North America Vehicle Operations in 2001, Stevens led Ford's North American assembly, stamping and tool and die plants in North America.

In 2003, Stevens was named group vice president of Canada, Mexico and South America and, in 2005, was appointed as executive vice president and chief operating officer, The Americas, overseeing Ford's North and South American Product Development, Manufacturing and Purchasing operations. Before joining Ford, Stevens held various engineering, manufacturing and marketing positions at Exxon Mobil Corporation.

Szczupak has been group vice president, Manufacturing - The Americas, since 2005. His responsibilities include all assembly, stamping and powertrain operations and engineering, including manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"Dave Szczupak's influence can be felt the world over, particularly for his contributions to Ford Motor Company's global family of powertrains, where our products have become more powerful and refined," Bill Ford said. "In addition, as part of the Way Forward team, Dave has led the effort to streamline and right-size our North American manufacturing management structure and footprint, a key part of our acceleration plans."

Before being named group vice president, Szczupak was vice president, Powertrain Operations, responsible for engine and transmission engineering worldwide and powertrain manufacturing in North America. From 1999 to 2001, he was chief engineer for Powertrain Operations, leading powertrain engineering development and strategy for all Ford Motor Company brands.

He joined Jaguar in 1985 as a senior manager in advanced powertrain, coming from Cummins Engine Co. Ltd. He also has served on the board of directors for Volvo Car Corp.