DEARBORN, MI — Ford has named new communications leadership in Asia-Pacific and Europe, as part of a series of moves that include the hire of former Samsung Electronics and Virgin Atlantic communications director Greg Dawson.

Dawson replaces Mark Truby as VP of communications for Ford Europe, based in Cologne. Truby, who had held that role since 2011, relocates to Shanghai to become Asia-Pacific VP of communications.

Meanwhile, Karen Hampton, who served as Ford's Asia-Pacific communications head for the past four years, returns to Ford's US HQ for a new global role as executive director of Ford Smart Mobility Communications.

"Karen will report to me and will lead our communications strategies, plans and programs around all elements of Ford Smart Mobility, including core activities, emerging opportunities and mobility services," said Ford communications group VP Ray Day.

Truby will report to Day and Asia-Pacific president Dave Schoch, while Dawson reports to Day and EMEA president Jim Farley. Dawson was most recently global head of public affairs at AkzoNobel, after previously holding senior global communications roles at Samsung Electronics and Virgin Atlantic.

"Mark will help us continue aggressive communication of our fast-growing Asia Pacific business" said Day. "Greg will help us continue the progress we have made within communications in Europe, building on the creativity, innovation and broader stakeholder-engagement we have put in place."

Truby's regional remit includes several direct reports, with Ford currently seeking an Asia-Pacific and China corporate communications director. Dawson's team, meanwhile, includes Europe communications and public affairs executive director Michael Baumann;
and national leads for communications/public affairs in Germany and the UK — Ralph Caba and Tim Holmes, respectively.

Day added the moves would help Ford to continue improving its reputation and purchase consideration, while expanding its communication capabilities and expertise.