Joe Laymon — Ford ’s group vice president and the man responsible for releasing the names of possible replacements for Ford’s CEO Alan Mulally — has resigned from the Michigan-based automaker. Laymon will be replaced as head of human resources by Felicia Fields.
Laymon says his decision to take a similar position at Chevron Corp. –effective immediately — had nothing to do with his recent interview with Automotive News. During that interview, Laymon released the names of six internal candidates that could succeed Mulally as CEO of Ford. “I know there’s a lot of controversy about my interview,†he told Automotive news. “I stand by it.â€
Mulally — who says Laymon informed Ford of his decision last Friday — was a little surprised that Laymon revealed the short list of candidates during the interview, but says there are no hard feelings. Mulally even said that Laymon is “leaving [Ford] in great shape.”
Laymon, 55, has been with Ford since 2000.
