FordDirect announced a significant leadership transition. Effective immediately, Dean Stoneley will conclude his assignment as Chief Executive Officer at FordDirect to assume a new leadership position within Ford Motor Company as Executive Director, Global Product Marketing. Concurrently, the FordDirect board of managers announced the appointment of Chris Thornton as the new Chief Executive Officer of FordDirect.
Stoneley joined FordDirect in June 2022 and has been instrumental in advancing the company's mission by leading the integration of digital strategy, data, and emerging technology to deliver best-in-class marketing and advertising solutions for Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, consistent with the customer-focused Ford+ plan. Under Stoneley, FordDirect reached new highs in overall dealer satisfaction each year. His leadership contributed to new, innovative uses of the FordDirect data platform and artificial intelligence to benefit Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers.
He helped to strengthen dealer performance, enhance customer engagement across the network, and build stronger working bonds with Ford Motor Company.
