DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company has named K.R. Kent, currently chief financial officer of Ford Motor Credit Company, to the newly created position of executive director of investor relations.

Kent, 48, will lead Ford’s effort to further strengthen the investor relations function and significantly deepen Ford and Ford Credit’s engagement with the investment community in both the equity and fixed income arenas. Kent will report to Ford Vice President and Treasurer Neil Schloss. The appointment is effective Jan. 1.

“K.R. brings to this new position a deep knowledge of Ford, Ford Credit, the automotive and credit industries, and the global investment community,” said Ford Executive Vice President and CFO Lewis Booth. “As we continue to make progress on our One Ford plan and move toward an investment grade credit rating, we are committed to providing the investment community with authoritative and highly credible insight into our automotive business and Ford Credit.”  

Kent, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business analysis from Indiana University and a master’s degree in finance from Ohio State University, joined Ford in 1987. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of finance positions, including controller, product development, Ford of Europe and assistant treasurer, Ford Motor Company.

Ford also announced today that Michael Seneski will replace Kent as CFO, Ford Credit. Seneski, 45, is currently controller, global and U.S. marketing and sales. He will report to Mike Bannister, chairman and CEO, Ford Credit, and his appointment is effective Jan. 1.

“We are pleased to have a finance professional of Michael’s caliber as CFO of Ford Credit as we continue our mission of providing financing support for Ford customers and dealers around the world,” Bannister said. “Michael’s knowledge of Ford Credit and Treasury will be an asset as we continue to ensure that Ford Credit remains a competitive advantage for Ford Motor Company going forward.”

Seneski joined Ford in 1989. He has held numerous key finance positions in North America and Asia-Pacific, including vice president and controller, Ford Credit North America, and assistant treasurer, Ford Motor Company. Seneski holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in finance from the University of California-Berkeley.