Ford’s group vice president of global manufacturing, and labour affairs, Joe Hinrichs (pictured), is taking up a new position at the company as group vice president of Asia Pacific and Africa. He will start on December 1st and is replacing John Parker who is retiring in January after a 41-year career with the company.
John Fleming, executive vice president, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, will take on Hinrichs’ responsibilities, including those for global manufacturing, material planning and supply, from the beginning of December while continuing to run Ford’s European business.
The company said the changes affecting Hinrichs and Fleming will support the “One Ford” transformation plan which prioritises aggressive restructuring.
“Joe’s keen business sense, his ability to foster strong relationships with key business partners and his leadership skills will serve him well as he builds upon the momentum Ford has in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ford CEO Alan Mulally. “Joe has led our drive toward a global manufacturing system and worked with Ford’s labor partners to improve the company’s competitiveness. I am thrilled to announce him as our new leader in Asia Pacific and Africa.”
Hinrichs was the keynote speaker last month at the Automotive Logistics Global conference in Detroit, where he pointed out to delegates that up and coming opportunities with Ford in Asia (read more here)
George Ho has left his position as senior logistics manager at Chinese carmaker Geely International, to pursue entrepreneurial interests. Mr Ho, who is featured in the current edition of Finished Vehicle Logistics magazine (read more here), has been a vocal advocate of the need for global logistic service providers to increase and improve their activities in China.
The European Ro-Ro Carriers Action Group has announced that its new chairman is Tapani Voionmaa. Mr Voionmaa is secretary to the board of directors and board of management at Finnlines, one of the leading shipping operators of ro-ro services in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.
