DEARBORN, MI --Ford Motor Company today announced the retirements of two company officers as well as a series of executive appointments that will further strengthen Ford's global management team in support of the company's One Ford plan.

In addition to these changes, Ford is announcing several key executive appointments in its global product development organization, effective Jan. 1.

Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer and vice president of research and advanced engineering, will retire Feb. 1, 2011.

Paul Mascarenas, currently vice president of engineering, is appointed chief technical officer and vice president of research and advanced engineering, replacing Schmidt effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Ingvar Sviggum, vice president of marketing, sales and service in Ford of Europe, will retire Jan. 1. He will be succeeded by Roelant de Waard, vice president of sales at Ford of Europe, who is elected an officer of the company.

Barb Samardzich, vice president of powertrain engineering, is appointed vice president of global product programs, effective Jan. 1

Joe Bakaj, vice president of global product programs and product development at Ford of Europe, is appointed vice president of powertrain engineering, effective Jan. 1

Raj Nair, vice president of operations in the Asia Pacific and Africa, is elected an officer of the company and appointed vice president of engineering, effective Jan. 1 .