DETROIT, Mich. – Ford Motor Co. has shed its chief executive officer and replaced the out-going Jacques Nasser with William Clay Ford Jr., Henry Ford’s great-grandson.

Nasser, 53, has taken much of the blame for the automaker’s loss of market share, quality problems and overall poor financial performance.

Ford, 44, has been chairman of the company’s board of directors since January 1999, as well as head of the Office of the Chairman since the position’s creation in July.

In addition, Nick Scheele, 57, who has been credited with leading the revival of the company’s Jaguar division, will likely move from Ford’s North American chief to become its chief operating officer.

The much-maligned company has been preparing a turnaround plan to be released in December.

Kold-Ban International, Ltd. is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris De Guerre as North American sales manager, effective immediately. In this newly created position, De Guerre will be responsible for the North American sales and marketing activities of KBi products to the OE, warehouse distributor.

Robert Sitzwohl has been named vice-president and general manager, Commercial Vehicle Wheels for Alcoa Wheel and Forged Products. In this role, he will provide direction and leadership for sales, marketing, product development and manufacturing for forged aluminum truck and bus wheels in all major markets of the world.