By Mary Connelly
Automotive News / October 30, 2002
Ford Motor Co. is adding a new public-relations executive to work closely with CEO Bill Ford. The company also is shuffling various
PR managers.
Jon Pepper assumes the new position of director, integrated communications, reporting to Jim Vella, Ford vice president of public affairs. Pepper, a friend of Bill Ford, will work to present a consistent corporate message to important constituencies, including the media and Wall Street.
"(Jon) will work with key stakeholders among the various communications channels including executives, public affairs, marketing, governmental affairs, investor relations and the media," Vella said in an internal announcement.
Pepper is best known as a former business columnist at The Detroit News. He has 25 years of experience in print and broadcast media, including 10 years at the Detroit Free Press.
Pepper joins Ford from Small Times Media in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he was CEO. The firm's magazine and Web site cover the small technology industry, including micro and nanotechnologies.
Ford also announced the following changes, effective immediately:
Dan Bedore becomes manager of Lincoln Mercury public affairs. Bedore replaces Jim Trainor, who leaves Ford after 18 years to become vice president of public relations and communications for Sirva, a global relocation, moving and logistics company in Chicago. In July, Brian Kelley resigned as Lincoln Mercury president to become CEO of Sirva.
Dave Reuter was named manager of Ford car product development public affairs, replacing Bedore.
Marcey Evans becomes financial news public affairs manager, replacing Reuter. No replacement is named for Evans, formerly quality public affairs manager.
Glenn Ray was named global service programs public affairs manager.
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