• by Tanya Gazdik , January 4, 2021

Former Ford marketing executive Mark LaNeve (right) and actor Jim Belushi introduce the 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. 

Mark LaNeve, who has held senior marketing roles at several automakers, is leaving Ford Motor Co. after six years to “pursue the next chapter of his professional life,” according to the automaker. 

LaNeve, 61, has held a number of leadership roles at General Motors and Volvo Cars in North America. LaNeve came to Ford in 2015 after leading the company’s marketing and advertising agency, Global Team Blue, where he was chief operating officer for 2 1/2 years. 

“After almost four decades on the OEM side of the auto industry, I've decided it’s time to move on to new challenges – both personally and professionally,” LaNeve posted Monday afternoon on LinkedIn. “I’ll miss all my colleagues and the dealers at Ford; it’s been an honor to represent the Blue Oval.”

Prior to his agency stint, LaNeve was the chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of N.A., general manager of the Cadillac brand, then vice president, sales, service and marketing, at GM, followed by a three-year tenure as CMO and head of agency relationships at Allstate Insurance Company. 

LaNeve has been a “tireless advocate” for both customers and dealers and helped Ford improve dealer relations and improve the retail experience, says Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford Americas and IMG.

“In this extraordinary year, Mark and his team did a great job of safeguarding dealers and customers as well as increasing market share,” Galhotra says in a release..

Ford recently hired Silicon Valley insider Suzy Deering as its CMO. She joined Ford as global chief marketing officer today following five years as worldwide and North America CMO at eBay. Deering will succeed Joy Falotico as Ford CMO. She also reports to Galhotra.

Succeeding LaNeve in the sales role is Andrew Frick, who has been appointed vice president, sales, U.S. and Canada, effective today. 

Frick, 47, most recently served as director, U.S. marketing and Lincoln sales and service director. A 25-year company veteran, he also has extensive experience across both Ford and Lincoln brands in regional roles in the U.S., Asia Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America.

In this new role, Frick will become an officer of the company and assume responsibility for sales, customer care and dealer relations for the Ford brand in the U.S. and Canada. He will report to Galhotra.

“Andrew brings deep product knowledge, a passion for customers, excellent dealer relations and a proven track record of results to the critical role of leading the sales organization in our largest market,” Galhotra said in a release.