The executive ranks at Ford (F 0.69%) have undergone a shake-up, with the company announcing a raft of appointments, and the retirement of one of its top managers. The firm said that its Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service Ken Czubay is calling it a career after more than four decades as an employee. His replacement is John Felice, who, at the moment, is the carmaker's general sales manager for Ford and Lincoln. Like Czubay, he is a Ford veteran, having served in a number of managerial roles in the U.S. and abroad, including president of the company's Thailand operations.

Looking across the Atlantic, Barb Samardzich has been tapped to be the auto giant's chief operating officer for Ford of Europe. This will vacate her current post of vice president, product development at the division, which will be filled by Joe Bakaj.

In turn, Bakaj's present job of vice president, powertrain engineering, will be taken by Bob Fascetti. At the moment, Fascetti is director, global engine engineering.

Czubay's retirement, and all of the announced promotions, are effective November 1.

The news comes two days after Ford announced the election of two new directors, James Hackett and John Lechleiter. The former's appointment was effective immediately, while Lechleiter will take his seat on October 1.