Ford Motor says its leading design director is heading to Volvo, as the company tries to sell the Swedish carmaker.

Peter Horbury, executive director of Ford Americas design, will move to Volvo and become vice president of design. Horbury previously worked for Volvo as its design director, beginning in 1991. When he moved to Ford in 2004, he helped spearhead design teams for the 2008 Ford Focus and Flex, the 2008 F-150 and the 2010 models of the Taurus, Fusion, Mustang and Milan.

Moray Callum, currently design director for Ford Motor Co.'s American cars, is slated to replace Horbury. Callum previously led Mazda's design team before moving to the Ford brand.

The moves go into effect May 1.

Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford said in December that it would seek strategic alternatives for Volvo, including a possible sale. Last month Ford said it was in talks with potential buyers.