COVID-19 is disrupting the work of a non-profit group based in Nova Scotia that provides service dogs to first responders and military veterans with PTSD.
New FordDirect leadership to be installed on Feb. 1
Ford F-150. Photo courtesy of Ford. Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, 03:52 PM By Auto Remarketing Staff
New leadership is set to guide FordDirect beginning on Feb. 1.
In a move cheered by an Ohio dealer and chairman of the FordDirect board of managers, the joint venture between Ford and its franchise dealers announced on Friday that it has been appointed Matt VanDyke as chief executive officer.
And also effective at the start of February, the FordDirect board announced the promotion of Mike Gingell to chief operating officer.
The leadership moves for the team responsible for delivering marketing and advertising solutions to Ford and Lincoln dealers throughout the United States arrived as the Blue Oval is rolling out its 2021 new-model lineup, which includes a hybrid version of the automaker’s bell cow the F-150.
Matt VanDyke
DETROIT Matt VanDyke, Ford Motor Co. s director of marketing, will soon become the CEO of the company s
FordDirect joint venture with dealers.
VanDyke, 48, will take the reins of the digital lead-generating company Feb. 1. He replaces Diane Craig, who became Matt VanDyke has been an exceptional, dynamic leader at Ford, taking on challenges with Bronco and F-150 during the pandemic and leading our Built for America and Built to Lend a Hand campaigns, Kumar Galhotra, Ford s president of the Americas and International Markets Group, said in a statement. His passion and experience in marketing make him an excellent choice for the FordDirect position, and we wish him well.
Friends and former colleagues are mourning the death of Bill Bullard Jr., a longtime Oakland County Republican leader described as a “legend” in local and state politics.
Bullard, 77, died Friday night of cancer and complications of COVID-19, said friend and former state Sen. Mike Kowall. His death was first reported by Crain’s.
Bullard s career in public service spanned roughly four decades, beginning in 1978 with his role as Highland Township trustee. He went on to become the township s supervisor. From 1983 until 2002, he represented western Oakland County in the Legislature, first in the state House and then the Senate.
Following his time in the Senate, Bullard, an attorney, was elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and served as chair. In 2011, he took office as county clerk and register of deeds, succeeding Ruth Johnson. He lost reelection for the seat in 2012.