Ford said Leclair and Booth will work together over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. 'Lewis Booth is one of the strongest and most experienced leaders within Ford and the auto industry,' Mulally said. 'He was instrumental in the transformation of Mazda and Ford of Europe to profitability and growth. He has built a strong and successful team in Ford of Europe that is well positioned to continue the momentum. And he has put in place new leadership at Volvo to turn around its results and build the strength of this premium brand.' Mulally said Booth's global experience will be invaluable as he works to unify Ford's disparate international operations. 'Lewis' global experience, track record and many years of leadership in Ford's finance operations make him the ideal CFO,' Mulally said. 'He has proven success integrating Ford of Europe into a profitable, lean and highly efficient operation. We now are turning to Lewis to apply his extensive operational and financial experience to work even closer with our operating teams around the world as we accelerate the transition to our One Ford vision and, in the process, transforming Ford into a lean global enterprise and returning the company to sustainable profitability.' Ford is appointing John Fleming to succeed Booth as head of Ford's European operations. 'John is a proven executive who has demonstrated strong results,' Mulally said. 'Under John's leadership, Ford of Europe has grown its sales and profitability. I have every confidence he will continue to lead Ford of Europe and now Volvo to even stronger success in the future.' Leclair, 56, became CFO in August 2003. He joined Ford in 1976. 'I have appreciated my time at Ford and now look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing other interests,' Leclair said in a statement. You can reach Bryce Hoffman at (313) 222-2443 or bhoffmandteom.