Ford's luxury group announces more management changes

June 17, 2002 DETROIT AP reported that the general manager at Ford Motor Co.'s luxury group is leaving the company after a shake-up announced Thursday that eliminated her job.

Former general manager Sue Calloway said because her position was being eliminated, "I feel that it is the right time for me to pursue other opportunities."

Ford's Premier Auto Group, based in Irvine, Calif., encompasses the Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover brands. The brands were consolidated in September to form Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America.

The Lincoln and Mercury brands were removed from the Premier Auto Group and returned to Ford's consumer operations.

The appointments announced Thursday were: Richard Beattie, executive vice president for Jaguar Land Rover; Geoff Cousines, chief financial officer for Premier Automotive Group; Sall Eastwood, vice president for franchise operations; Jon Williams, vice president for Land Rover marketing; George Ayres, vice president for Jaguar marketing; and Doug Speck, vice president for retail operations.

Beattie previously was vice president for marketing, sales and service at Lincoln Mercury. In his new position, Beattie will be responsible for sales and marketing for Jaguar and Land Rover.