John Lawler is vice president, Strategy, effective March 1, 2018. In this role, Lawler supports Jim Hackett, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company, in advancing the global initiatives underway to dramatically improve the company’s operational fitness. He will also help lead the company’s execution of strategic choices that define where Ford allocates capital in the future to win and grow.
He reports to Bob Shanks, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Previously, Lawler was vice president and controller, Ford Motor Company, since 2016.
Lawler previously served as a Ford Motor Company vice president and chairman, chief executive officer of Ford China, appointed December 2012. In that role, Lawler had overall responsibility for Ford China operations and business leadership.
Prior to his Ford China role, Lawler served as the chief financial officer (CFO) for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, based in Shanghai. As CFO, he was responsible for the financial strategy and analysis of the company’s operations throughout Asia Pacific and Africa and worked alongside the company’s leaders for China and Asia Pacific to set business strategy.
Lawler has a wealth of global experience in business strategy particularly related to market analysis, pricing strategy and product programs. He was a key member of the team that led the company’s North American turnaround, serving as controller of U.S. Marketing and Sales from January 2007 until moving to China in 2010. In the U.S. position, he was responsible for key business strategies including pricing and business planning, and led the company’s efforts to reduce complexity and overhaul dealer policies.
He joined Ford Motor Company in 1990 and served in a variety of roles in North America, Europe and Asia. His assignments included serving as a controller in Ford of Europe’s Product Development organization and a finance leader with Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan.
Lawler earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Knox College in 1988 and an MBA from the University of Iowa in 1990. Born in 1966, he and his wife, Inga, have three children.