DEARBORN, MI—Ford Motor Company has hired Musa Tariq as vice president and chief brand officer as part of its expansion to an auto and a mobility company and its drive to go further in connecting and engaging with consumers. Tariq will report jointly to Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president, global marketing, sales and service, and to Ray Day, Ford group vice president, communications.

Prior to joining Ford, Tariq was Apple’s global marketing and communication director for retail. Prior to Apple, he was the senior director of social media and community at Nike, and global head of digital marketing and later the first-ever director of social media at Burberry.

In a new role, Tariq is responsible for building and differentiating the company’s Ford brand, one of the most valued in the world. He will work with marketing, communications and company leaders across the world to define, build and communicate the Ford brand and what it stands for with all stakeholders. His work will complement the successful vehicle nameplate brand marketing and communications work already in place.

“As we grow our business, we’re also expanding our focus on and investment in building and differentiating our iconic Ford brand,” says Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “Our opportunity is to connect with even more consumers and stakeholders—some who never have done business with Ford before—through compelling and culturally relevant marketing and communications.”