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Raj Rao named Ford Smart Mobility LLC chief executive officer;
experienced transformation and growth leader most recently led digital
business model innovation at 3M
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Rao brings significant global experience and a proven track record for
innovation
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Ford Smart Mobility LLC designs, builds, grows, and invests in new
mobility services as Ford expands its business model to be both an
auto and a mobility company
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
DEARBORN, Mich. -- (Business Wire)
Ford Motor Company is announcing today the appointment of Rajendra “Raj”
Rao as chief executive officer of Ford Smart Mobility LLC, Ford’s
subsidiary working to design, build, grow and invest in emerging
mobility services. Rao will report to Jim Hackett, Ford Smart Mobility
LLC chairman, and be based in Palo Alto, California.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here:
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Ford Motor Company is announcing today the appointment of Rajendra “Raj” Rao as chief executive officer of Ford Smart Mobility LLC, Ford’s subsidiary working to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Ford Smart Mobility is a significant growth opportunity for Ford,” said
Hackett. “Raj has deep experience in digital transformation, new
business model cultivation and start-up partnerships. He is the right
leader to lead the delivery of mobility services globally and bring to
life our vision to change the way the world moves.”
As CEO, Rao will lead the creation and growth of Ford Smart Mobility
LLC’s various businesses, including the recently announced City
Solutions business, the Chariot shuttle business and Greenfield Labs,
Ford Smart Mobility LLC’s business model incubator.
Rao: Experienced Transformational Leader
Rao has created, built and transformed businesses for iGATE Capital,
Brunswick Corporation and, most recently, 3M. As the vice president of
digital business model innovation at 3M, Rao led the company’s Silicon
Valley digital hub and Internet-of-Things projects, based in Redwood
City, California.
He was in charge of developing new business models for the
commercialization of customer solutions in the connectivity space with a
special focus on smart cities, wearables and digital wellness. Rao also
was responsible for championing ecosystem partnerships in collaboration
with Silicon Valley accelerators and Internet-of-Things labs.
Prior to 3M, Rao led the international operations of Life Fitness as
part of the Brunswick Corporation leadership team. In this role, Rao
improved sales by nearly 35 percent and drove profit margins from five
percent to 12 percent.
During his time at Brunswick, Rao also co-created Redberri, an open
source XML-based middleware system for connecting systems not originally
designed to talk to each other. In addition, he secured several patents
for Vivo, a wireless fitness management product used widely in the
industry.
“I am energized by the opportunity to develop and grow Ford’s new
mobility businesses, leveraging the company’s inherent strengths,” said
Rao. “I have spent the better part of my career unleashing the power
that exists globally with ecommerce, connected devices and digitization.
The opportunity now to apply that experience and passion for innovation
to helping Ford change the way the world moves is the perfect
culmination.”
A native of Bangalore, India, Rao began his career as a financial
analyst at Procter & Gamble. He has significant global experience,
having worked in and led business operations in Asia, Europe, Middle
East and North America. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the
Shri Ram College of Commerce at Delhi University and a master’s degree
in management from Boston University.
Ford Smart Mobility LLC: Building and Investing in New Mobility
Services
Ford Smart Mobility LLC is part of Ford’s expanded business model to be
both an auto and a mobility company. Ford Smart Mobility LLC is working
with Ford’s product development, research and advanced engineering,
marketing and data analytics teams to develop commercially-ready
mobility services and invest in promising mobility-related ventures.
Designed to compete like a startup company, Ford Smart Mobility LLC is
designing and building mobility services on its own through its
Greenfield Labs business incubation team. It also is collaborating with
start-ups and tech companies, such as the company’s recent acquisition
of Chariot, an app-based, crowd-sourced shuttle company, and its
collaboration with Motivate to launch Ford GoBike in San Francisco. In
addition, Ford Smart Mobility LLC has established the City Solutions
team to lead expanding mobility efforts with key cities worldwide.
Related Materials:
For biographical information and photos of Raj Rao, click here.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based
in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 67 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks
and utility vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its
business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities
with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford
provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.For
more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please
visit www.corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160929005783/en/
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
Karen Hampton
313.390.9080
khampto2@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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