DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Co. named Dave Cosper, chief financial officer, to the additional position of vice chairman.

In his new role, Cosper is responsible for finance, risk management and public affairs. He will oversee the coordination of internal Ford Credit audits. Audit will continue to report to the general auditor of Ford Motor Co.

"Dave is a skilled leader who has brought a broad knowledge base to Ford Credit's finance operations," said Mike Bannister, chairman and chief executive officer of Ford Credit. "This new appointment will allow him to share his financial and business expertise more broadly within the organization."

Cosper joined Ford in 1979 as a financial analyst in the Glass Division. He held a series of finance positions in manufacturing, marketing and sales, and finance, and two international posts. In Japan, he was financial analysis manager for Ford's Asia-Pacific Automotive Operations. In Brazil, he was a manager of financial and market analysis for Autolatina, Ford's former venture with Volkswagen. In 1998, he became vice president and treasurer of Ford Credit.

Cosper earned a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business administration, both from Michigan State University.