Ford of Europe has appointed John Rickel as chief financial officer and vice-president of strategic planning.

He replaces Gerhard Klein, who is retiring to 'explore other professional interests'. Rickel will report to Ford of Europe chairman David Thursfield.

Rickel joined Ford in 1984 and has held a number of finance positions, including vice-president of finance for Ford of Australia. He joined Ford of Europe in january 2000 as director of strategic planning with a key responsibility for implementing the European Transformation Strategy.