Ford Motor Company has announced that Raj Nair, executive vice-president and president, North America, is departing from Ford effective immediately. The decision follows a recent internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behaviour. The review determined certain behavior by Nair was inconsistent with the company’s code of conduct.

“We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration,” said Ford president and CEO Jim Hackett. “Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values.”

Nair said: “I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviors consistent with the principles that the company and I have always espoused. I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future.”

Nair started out as a body and assembly operations launch engineer and held various positions on more than 11 vehicle programs in 13 assembly plants. During the 1990s he was heavily involved in the launch of the 1996 Fiesta, and then became responsible for all Ford of Europe launches including the Focus, Transit and Mondeo.

More recently, Nair was instrumental in the development of the current Ford GT and the manufacturer's return to endurance racing competition. Earlier this month Nair was presented with his own 2018 GT road car. 

Nair has been president of Ford North America since June 1, 2017.  Prior to that, he served as Ford’s head of global product development and chief technical officer. Ford says Nair’s replacement will be announced in the near future.