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Ford North America Manufacturing Chief Jim Tetreault To Retire

As part of a series of senior leadership changes that, according to Ford, are meant to continue delivering its One Ford plan, The Blue Oval has announced the retirement of Jim Tetreault, vice president, North America Manufacturing. Mr. Tetreault retirement comes after over 36 years in the automative industry and 25 years with Ford.

Jim Tetreault

Jim Tetreault

With over 30 manufacturing plants, Ford’s North America manufacturing operations represent its biggest in the world, and Mr. Tetreault has been responsible for them for the last five years, playing a key role in efforts to improve manufacturing flexibility and efficiency while overseeing product expansion efforts in the region along with the automaker’s conversion to global vehicle architectures. Prior to this role, Mr. Tetreault served as vice president, Ford of Europe Manufacturing, for three years. He also held numerous positions in plant operations and staff functions throughout his career.

“Jim’s strong leadership and attention to detail will be missed,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president, The Americas. “He has brought out the best in people and in our global manufacturing process across two continents. We are grateful for Jim’s leadership, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”

Bruce Hettle

Bruce Hettle

Succeeding Tetreault will be Bruce Hettle, who is elected a Ford Motor Company officer and named president, North America Manufacturing. Currently, Hettle serves as executive director, Global Vehicle Operations Manufacturing Engineering. He will be responsible for all manufacturing facilities in North America, and will put a strong focus on the company’s goal of increasing manufacturing flexibility, efficiency, quality and productivity.

Hettle has spent his entire 27-year career in manufacturing with Ford, and has led the company’s global manufacturing engineering organization for vehicle operations since 2008. In addition to other leadership roles, he has served as director, Manufacturing Business Office, plant manager for Wayne Stamping and Assembly and Edison Assembly. Hettle will report to Hinrichs and to John Fleming, executive vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs.

Tetreault’s retirement and Hettle’s appointment are effective January 1, 2014.

The announcement coincides with other senior leadership changes at Ford, including:

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