DETROIT (July 29, 2010)—Ford Motor Co. purchasing chief Tony Brown is using two key promotions to reorganize purchasing and provide “a single point of contact” for suppliers.
Birgit Behrendt has been appointed executive director of Ford's global programs and Americas purchasing. Burt Jordan has been named executive director of global vehicle and powertrain purchasing.
Both will report directly to Brown; their assignments took effect July 1.
Brown is reorganizing his purchasing operation ahead of the Oct. 1 retirement of his top lieutenant, Paul Stokes.
Behrendt will work with Ford's product development teams to ensure they are meeting their program targets. She also will coordinate suppliers that are working with Ford's product developers on future powertrains and future vehicles. Previously, those two tasks had been split.
For any vehicle under development, Behrendt will help Ford develop a preliminary sourcing strategy, identify tooling requirements and work with suppliers during pre-production and vehicle launch.
While Behrendt coordinates product development, Jordan will oversee Ford's annual $50 billion purchase of production components.
Jordan is responsible for purchasing powertrain and vehicle components. Previously, those two responsibilities had been split.
Brown said the reorganization will make it easier for suppliers to communicate with the company because it will be clearer who is responsible for what.
Behrendt joined Ford in 1978. She previously served as Ford of Europe's vice president of purchasing and executive director of global programs.
Jordan joined Ford affiliate Mazda Motor Corp. in 2001 and subsequently moved over to Ford. Previously, he was Ford's executive director of global powertrain purchasing.
Jordan also will continue his role monitoring the financial health of Ford's suppliers.