NEW DELHI: Ford may have exited active business operations in India, but its India connect just got stronger at the global level.
Strengthening the hold of India-origin professionals across corporate America, Ford announced the appointment of Punjab-born Kumar Galhotra as its global president of non-electric automobile business which clocks annual revenues in excess of over $100 billion.
Born in December 1965, Galhotra grew up in India before moving to the US where he completed bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.
He has served Ford for nearly 34 years now.
Galhotra will be president of Ford Blue, and will be reporting to Ford’s president and CEO Jim Farley.
Ford Blue will encompass the company’s internal combustion engine (ICE) products, or those running on petrol and diesel. This would give him charge of products across the various car brands that Ford runs, and in all geographies.
Prior to this role, Galhotra – who joined Ford way back in 1988 -- was president, Americas & International Markets Group. He has previously worked as Ford’s president for North America, and group VP for the Lincoln brand.
Since joining the company, Galhotra has served in various positions in product development and product strategy.
Among the assignments, he led the introduction of the Ford Ranger into South American markets in 1998; was the chief engineer for the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner in the early 2000s; and was vehicle programs director for five vehicle lines in the mid-2000s.
