Kumar Galhotra to replace Raj Nair

"We made this decision after a thorough review and careful consideration," CEO Jim Hackett said in a statement. "Ford is deeply committed to providing and nurturing a safe and respectful culture and we expect our leaders to fully uphold these values." Nair has been head of Ford's North America division since June 2017. Before that, he served as Ford's head of global product development and chief technical officer. He first joined Ford in 1987 as an engineer, according to a company bio. In a statement released by Ford, Nair expressed regret for past behaviour. "I sincerely regret that there have been instances where I have not exhibited leadership behaviours consistent with the principles that the Company and I have always espoused," he said. "I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future." Kumar Galhotra previously was group vice president, Lincoln and Ford’s chief marketing officer. "Kumar is an incredibly talented executive with a special feel for product and brand. He is also a seasoned leader who knows how to drive a business transformation," Jim Farley, Ford's president of global markets, said in a statement. "Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability." Galhotra will take over Nair’s duties in North America on March 1.