Ford scales back its leadership team in Germany again as restructuring continues

Ford is losing two of its most experienced leadership team members in Germany. The long-time leaders are leaving their roles as Ford continues restructuring its business overseas.

Ford downsizes leadership in Germany again

In June, Ford lost its top European executive, Martin Sander, who left to join Volkswagen. The position was eliminated as part of Ford’s plans to reduce headcount in the region.

Starting July 1, 2024, the company had four managing directors, down from the previous nine. Ford said the changes were part of a broader transformation of its European business.

Kieran Cahill, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ford-Werke GmbH, said the downsizing “simplifies” its management structure. It also “gives us more speed of action,” Cahill explained as Ford looks to revamp the brand.

Starting this month, Ford is losing another two managing directors. According to the German media outlet Automobilwoche, Ford will have just two directors: Dave Johnston and Marcus Wassenberg, both of whom were appointed in July.

Meanwhile, Christian Weingärtner and Rene Wolf resigned on November 1, 2024, but will continue to work for the company operationally.

The restructuring comes after Ford began delivering its new Capri EV last month. The Capri is Ford’s second electric model based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, following the Electric Explorer.

Ford began building the all-electric Explorer at its new Cologne EV center in Germany this summer.

The new Capri EV starts at $48,800 (€44,950) in Germany, slightly less than the electric Explorer, which costs about $52,700 (€48,500).

In the US, Ford will stop building its F-150 Lightning electric truck for nearly two months. Ford spokesperson Jessica Enoch said in an email to Electrek, “We continue to adjust production for an optimal mix of sales growth and profitability.”

The first day down at its Rouge EV Center in Michigan will be November 18, with production resuming on January 6, 2025. The pause includes the holiday break week, starting December 23, at all US Ford plants.