Reitzle Leaves Ford; Assumes Consulting Role
Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, Ford Motor Co. group vice president, Premier Automotive Group, announced April 19 he has accepted a position with Linde AG, a German engineering company, as its future CEO. Reitzle will continue to assist Ford Motor Co. as a consultant on product, design and marketing-related issues. The move is effective May 1.
"We are committed to the Premier Automotive Group strategy," said Bill Ford, chairman and CEO. "These brands are strong and that strength stems from exceptional products and talented people, a combination that will deliver outstanding results going forward.
"I want to thank Wolfgang Reitzle for his contributions to the development of our luxury brand strategy," Bill Ford said.
"Being a CEO at Linde AG is a great opportunity for me and one I felt I could not pass up at this point in my career," said Reitzle. "Ford is heading in the right direction with their premium brand strategy and I plan to assist them in my new role in any way I can."
Reitzle joined Ford in 1999 after 23 years with BMW AG. Under his tenure at Ford, the company consolidated its luxury brands into the Premier Automotive Group and acquired Land Rover. At BMW, he served as a member of the Board of Management with responsibility for research and development and sales and marketing.
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