FILE - Kumar Galhotra, Ford President of the Americas and International markets group poses next to the Bronco off-road SUV, Tuesday, Jan. 11 2022 in Detroit. Ford said Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, is naming Galhotra as its chief operating officer as the automaker continues to deal with an ongoing strike by workers. FILE- A Ford logo sits on the grill of a Ford Explorer on display at the Pittsburgh Auto Show, Feb. 15, 2018. Ford said Wednesday, Oct.
Galhotra will lead Ford’s global industrial system, the company said Wednesday, where he will now oversee all global vehicle engineering and cycle planning, ICE and hybrid programs, supply chain management, and manufacturing of vehicles on behalf of all business units. He will report to CEO Jim Farley.
Galhotra, who joined Ford in 1988, most recently was in charge of Ford Blue, the company’s internal combustion engine business. Andrew Frick will succeed Galhotra in that role. Frick had been managing Ford Blue’s sales and distribution functions; trucks, SUVs and enthusiast vehicles; and operations in Mexico and Canada.
Prior to serving as president of Ford Blue, Galhotra was president of Ford Americas and the company’s International Markets Group, with responsibilities including profitability of those business units, according to Ford’s website. He’s also served as president, North America, leading all aspects of Ford’s business in the region. In addition, Galhotra has served as group vice president, Lincoln, and Ford’s chief marketing officer.
In a rare speech coming during contract talks in the company’s hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, Ford said high labor costs could limit spending on developing new vehicles and investing in factories.with the United Auto Workers union, which walked out in targeted strikes at all three Detroit automakers, which also include General Motors and Stellantis, on