Paul Thomas retires after 38-year career

Paul Thomas, Ford of Europe’s Vice-President of Marketing, is retiring this month after a 38-year career with the company in which he served in several senior positions.

Thomas, 59, was named Vice-President of Marketing in 2006, and since then has helped
lead Ford’s effort to improve its brand image and increase purchase consideration in Europe.

Prior to this position, he was the Managing Director of Ford of Britain from 2002 to 2006. Thomas started his career in Ford’s European Marketing department in 1974, and progressed through several sales and marketing management positions in Ford of Britain and Ford of Europe.

“Paul’s unfailing energy, passion and leadership have made a significant difference to the Ford of Europe and Ford’s Global Marketing and Sales Teams over many years,” said Stephen Odell, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “On behalf of Ford, I want to thank Paul for his tremendous contribution to the business, and I extend to him and his family our congratulations and warmest wishes for the future.”

Gaetano Thorel, 44, currently the Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Italy, is appointed Ford of Europe’s new Vice-President of Marketing.

Like Thomas, Thorel will report to Roelant de Waard, Vice-President, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. He will be based at Ford of Europe’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany. Thorel will be replaced as Managing Director in Italy by Domenico Chianese, the present Director of Marketing in Ford of Italy.

“Gaetano has gained wide experience in numerous Marketing Sales and Service roles in Ford of Italy and Ford of Europe,” said Roelant de Waard. “We look forward to him bringing all his experience and enthusiasm to Ford’s European Marketing Team and in supporting our global brand.”

Both position changes are effective from April 1, 2012.

Posted in: Ford,Ford of Europe,Ford of Italy,Germany,Headquarters,Marketing and Sales Team,New Appointment,Paul Thomas