DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday named the great-great-granddaughter of its founder as director of the automaker's global marketing, sales and service operations.
The appointment of Elena Ford, 42, is effective Feb. 1. She previously served as executive vice president for Ford Motor Credit Co. global brand and marketing.
The move follows the consolidation of the Dearborn, Mich.-based company's global product development activities in 2006 and global purchasing operations in 2008.
It also reflects the automaker's move toward vehicles that will be made on common platforms for sale in various markets around the world.
Elena Ford joined the company in 1995 as the truck advertising specialist for the Ford division.
Ford shares rose 6 cents, or 3.1 percent, to $2 in afternoon trading.
