COLOGNE, Germany, 21 September 2021 – Ford today announced that Elvira Schachermeier has been appointed vice president, Communications and Public Affairs, Ford of Europe.
Schachermeier will succeed Susan Krusel, who has elected to retire Oct. 1 after a successful, 20-plus year career at Ford, including leading Communications and Public Affairs for Ford of Europe for the past three years.
Schachermeier, an experienced communications leader who has worked in both Europe and North America, joins Ford on Dec. 1. She most recently served as Visa’s chief communications officer, Europe Region, capping a 16-year career with the global financial services company.
At Ford of Europe, she will be responsible for continuing to build the company’s reputation and leading all internal and external communications initiatives in the region. This includes developing communications plans that build on the recent work done to pave the way for a sustainably profitable business in Europe.
Born in Germany, Schachermeier will be based in Cologne and report to Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe, in Cologne and Mark Truby, Ford’s chief communications officer based in Dearborn, Michigan.
“Elvira is a highly respected communications leader with a wealth of global experience,” Truby said. “She will be an invaluable addition to our leadership team as Ford continues to execute our Ford+ plan to deliver great products and connected experiences for customers and continues to build a profitably growing business in Europe.”
“We are also grateful for Susan’s leadership and contributions to Ford’s success throughout her career – particularly her recent role in helping to lead our transformation in Europe – and wish her the best in her retirement.”
Schachermeier most recently was responsible for developing Visa’s European communications strategy and acting as a strategic advisor to the company’s senior leadership team. She led all related internal and external communications functions, with a deep focus on digital services and technology, including corporate, brand and product, integrated marketing campaigns, client communications and events, and employee communications, as well as CEO communications.
Beginning her career at Visa in 2005, Schachermeier has held a variety of communications leadership roles, both in the United States since October 2005, and in Europe since January 2017.
Schachermeier graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio and television communications from San Francisco State University. She currently resides in Osnabruck, Germany, and is married with three adult children.
For a complete bio of Elvira Schachermeier, click here.
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 42,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
