Ford Motor Company has appointed Marissa West as vice president of vehicle programs, effective November 16. She will lead the company's vehicle programme and programme operations teams, overseeing vehicle development and integration, programme execution and global product programmes across its portfolio.
West's appointment comes as Ford plans to refresh 70% of its global vehicle portfolio by volume by 2029. She will oversee teams responsible for the development and delivery of the company's next generation of vehicles.
Sam Basile, Ford vice president of Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning & Programs, said West's experience in vehicle programmes, product integration and vehicle launches would support the company's product development and execution plans.
Marissa West's Automotive Industry Experience
West joins Ford from OP Mobility, where she served as executive vice president and chairperson of its North America business. Prior to this, she held several leadership positions at General Motors across vehicle sales, service, marketing and product development.
Her roles at GM included senior vice president and president for North America. She brings more than 20 years of automotive and vehicle engineering experience, with much of her career focused on vehicle programmes, product integration and vehicle launches.
West holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a master's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan.