Zoom-zoom man moved to Ford

In an effort to consolidate its best talent Ford has reassigned key players to different roles, even poaching from its other brands to help develop the blue oval products.

Callum takes over Patrick Schiavone's job as Design Director for Ford Cars, with Schiavone taking over design for the company's trucks division.

"Moray will bring new energy to our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president, Design, and Chief Creative Officer.

Replacing Callum at Mazda is Laurens van den Acker, responsible for the overall design and styling of all of Mazda's global products.

Before joining Mazda in January as deputy general manager, Design Division, van den Acker was chief designer of Strategic Design in Ford's Dearborn Advanced Studio. Prior to that assignment, he held several design positions during his seven years with Ford, including chief designer for the Ford Escape.

"We're changing up several leadership positions within our powerhouse of global design talent," said Mays. "These moves will help ensure that we further differentiate the designs of each our brands from their competitors' and will allow us to deliver even stronger, more emotional products throughout our brand portfolio."

Scott Strong, Director of Design -- Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, is responsible for developing vehicle designs for Australian-based product programs and oversees Ford's China and Asia-Pacific studios, reporting directly to Trevor Worthington, Vice President of Ford Australia, and John Shelton, director of Product Development in the Asia Pacific and Africa.

"From a design perspective, we're more closely aligning these markets," Mays said. "We want to ensure we're more consistently delivering the Ford design DNA throughout our full range of products, but we also want to reflect each region's unique customer desires and aspirations."

In other Ford news Jim Padilla, a 40-year veteran of Ford Motor Company, is retiring as president and chief operating officer, effective July 1. Bill Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, will assume Padilla's responsibilities through the chairing of a new Executive Operating Committee composed of the company's executive vice presidents.

Pictured, in order: Moray Callum, Scott Strong, Trevor Worthington