Stephen Odell has been named as chief operating officer and will assume responsibility for the carmaker's product development, manufacturing, purchasing, marketing, sales and service operations.

Ingvar Sviggum replaces Odell in the role of vice president, marketing, sales and service.

Both will report to John Fleming, president and chief executive of Ford of Europe.

““As we move into a more intensive phase of our global transformation, now is the right time to make more of Stephen's extensive operational experience around the world,” said Fleming,

“Giving him operational responsibility for Ford of Europe will help us raise our game as we take a prominent role in developing new vehicles globally.”

The management changes will come into effect from the beginning of next month.