Ford names product chief in reorganization

Ford Motor Co. announced a shake-up of its top management to help streamline vehicle development efforts and bring Chief Executive Alan Mulally closer to key operations.

In his first major move since taking his position full time in October, Mulally created the post of global product development chief at the struggling No. 2 U.S. automaker and eliminated a layer of management outside North America. Derrick Kuzak will lead the new group, reporting to Mulally.

Three business unit chiefs will now report directly to the CEO: Mark Fields for the Americas, Lewis Booth for Europe and the Premier Automotive Group, and John Parker for Asia Pacific and Africa and Mazda.