Matt DeMars

Photo: Ford

Dearborn, Mich. - Ford Motor Company today announced its board of directors has elected Matt DeMars vice president, North America Vehicle Operations; and Michael Bannister a vice president of the company. The appointments are effective immediately.

Since December 2001, DeMars, 47, was executive director of Pickup Truck and Commercial Vehicle Platforms and had lead responsibility for the successful development and launch of the 2004 Ford F-150. He reports to Roman Krygier, group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Quality, and succeeds Anne Stevens, who was named group vice president of Canada, Mexico and South America on Oct. 1.

Bannister, 53, remains president and chief operating officer of Ford Motor Credit Company. In that role, he oversees all sales and marketing functions globally, service centers, quality, customer satisfaction, process management and insurance operations. Previously, he had been president, Ford Credit International, heading up operations in Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America. He continues to report to Greg Smith, chairman and CEO, Ford Credit.

DeMars joined Ford in 1978 as a manufacturing engineer. He has held a variety of positions including product design, advanced manufacturing planning and project management.

From January 2000 to December 2001, DeMars was director of manufacturing, overseeing the Norfolk Assembly, Kansas City Assembly, Kentucky Truck Assembly and Ontario Truck plants. Prior to that, he was chief program engineer for the F-Series, Expedition and Navigator programs.