FORD of Europe has announced that Lewis Booth will take over the role of president and chief operating officer following the departure of Martin Leach last month.

Hisakazu Imaki is to take over Booth's previous role of president and chief executive officer of Mazda. Imaki was previously executive vice-president and chief engineering and manufacturing officer at Mazda.

Booth will report to David Thursfield, executive vice president, international operations and global purchasing.

Mazda has also appointed John Parker, formerly president of Ford's far eastern operations, as executive vice-president.