President of Ford’s North America division, Raj Nair, is leaving the company, effective immediately. This comes soon after the company conducted an internal investigation into reports of inappropriate behavior. The inquiry 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 joined Ford in 1987 as a Body and Assembly Operations Launch Engineer and eventually rose up the ranks to become President of Ford North America on June 1, 2017. Prior to that, Nair was head of Ford’s Global Product Development and Chief Technical Officer.
“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,” Nair said, in a press release. “I continue to have the utmost faith in the people of Ford Motor Company and wish them continued success in the future.”
A spokesman for the U.S.’s second biggest carmaker said the company would not be commenting on the nature of Nair’s departure.
Nair has been replaced by Chief Marketing Officer and Group Vice President for Lincoln, Kumar Galhotra. “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,” said Farley. “Kumar is the right person to lead our North American business to new levels of operational fitness, product and brand excellence, and profitability.”
Kumar assumed office on March 1.
