Stephen Odell is executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company, effective Dec. 1, 2012. Odell is leading Ford’s transformation in Europe, with a focus on using the One Ford plan to achieve profitable growth through an unprecedented focus on new products, a strong brand and increased cost efficiency.

Previously, Odell was group vice president, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. Africa will be realigned with Europe and the Middle East under Odell to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities and efficiencies.

Prior to this, Odell was a Ford vice president and president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, a role he held from October 2008.

Before, Odell was chief operating officer, Ford of Europe, responsible for Product Development, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Marketing, Sales and Service operations.

Between September 2005 and April 2008, Odell was Ford Motor Company vice president and vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. Prior to this position, he was director and senior managing executive officer in charge of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan, where he was also a member of the board.

Odell joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 as a graduate trainee for Ford of Britain. He worked in several management positions in sales and marketing in Britain and the U.S., before being appointed vice president, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America, in 1997.

In January 2000, Odell joined Mazda Motor North America as a vice president Marketing and Sales. Odell became chief operations officer, Mazda North America, in October 2000, and was appointed president of Mazda Europe in January 2002. In May 2003, he was elected senior managing executive officer, Marketing, Sales and Customer Services, Mazda Motor Corporation, Japan.

Born in London, UK, Odell is married with two children.