Elena A. Ford is vice president, Global Dealer and Consumer Experience, effective March 1, 2013. She reports to Stephen Odell, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service.

Ms. Ford leads the company’s Global Dealer and Consumer Experience, a team designed to accelerate the simplification and streamlining of Ford’s interaction with customers inside dealerships and at auto shows around the world.

“Every automaker is trying to unlock long-term customer loyalty but Ford is focused on connecting with consumers on their terms and building and an experience they will love, regardless of where they meet us,” she says.

This cross-functional work also includes developing global standards and sharing best practices for planning, training, vehicle delivery and customer interaction with dealers and within the company.

The organization is also responsible for the Marketing, Sales and Service role in Ford’s global order-to-delivery system – a company-wide effort to streamline multiple global information technology systems into a lean, efficient, fast-paced vehicle ordering and delivery process. Its goal is improved vehicle quality and delivery time – from factory to dealers to customers.

Previously, beginning in February 2009, Ms. Ford served as director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service, responsible for implementing the company’s One Ford marketing vision globally.

Prior to that, Ms. Ford was executive vice president, Global Brand and Marketing, Ford Motor Credit Company, leading marketing, product management and sales support activities for Ford’s financial services arm around the world. She was named to that position in August 2007.

Ms. Ford’s achievements include leading the development and global launch of Ford’s global brand promise: Go Further.

Other roles Ms. Ford has held include director, North America Product Marketing, Planning and Strategy; director, North America Product Marketing; director, Business Strategy, International Automotive Operations; director, e-Marketing and e-Solutions for ConsumerConnect; brand strategy manager, Marketing Strategy and Brand Management; communications coordinator, Ford Trucks; marketing communications specialist; car and motorsports communications coordinator; finance specialist, Product Development; and brand strategy leader, Global Marketing.

Ms. Ford joined the company in 1995.

Twice she has been named among the leading women in the auto industry by Automotive News.

Ms. Ford serves on the boards of Josephine Ford Cancer Institute and Henry Ford Hospital. She is active with Henry Ford Innovation Institute at Henry Ford Hospital, and involved in a number of community organizations including United Way and The Children’s Center.

Ms. Ford, born in 1966, is the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford and the granddaughter of Henry Ford II. She is a native of New York, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business from New York University.