Former Apple Exec to Lead Ford’s New Integrated Services
In a move to bolster its commitment to innovation and customer experience, Ford announced yesterday, that it has appointed Peter Stern as President of its newly created Ford Integrated Services division. Stern, who was previously Vice President of Services at Apple, will be responsible for building a team that will innovate and market experiences by blending hardware, software, and services across Ford Blue, Model e, and Ford Pro.
During Stern’s six-year stint at Apple, he oversaw key products such as Apple TV+, iCloud, Apple News+, Apple Books, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, MLS Season Pass, and Apple One. His leadership in launching these services made him a highly attractive candidate to Ford.
Reporting directly to Ford’s President and CEO, Jim Farley, Stern’s primary focus will be expanding the business tied to Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. Stern will also focus on enhancing productivity and safety/security services, including those from the Ford Pro Intelligence business.
Similar to his role at Apple, Stern will focus on developing new high-value services, leading services marketing, and out-of-vehicle customer experiences. Stern will also lead Ford Next, the automaker’s self-driving car vehicle unit.
“This is transformational, because the cornerstone of our Ford+ plan is creating incredible customer services and experiences enabled by great hardware and software,” Farley said. “There’s simply no one in the world better able than Peter Stern to build this strategically vital part of our business.”
With the addition of Stern, Ford wants to strengthen its focus on developing connected, digital platforms that will reshape the automotive industry. With over 550,000 paid software and services subscribers, of which Ford Pro commercial customers account for more than 80%, Stern’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Ford.
“I love creating new services businesses, and this is the perfect chance to do just that,” Stern said about his appointment. “The auto industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, from gas engines to electric vehicles and from human to autonomous driving.
At the same time, the basis for differentiation is shifting from the vehicles alone to the integration of hardware, software and services.”
Stern brings unique skills to Ford, having headed marketing for Apple’s services and overseen Apple’s ad businesses during a period of rapid growth. Before joining Apple, he held an executive position at Time Warner Cable and began his career at McKinsey & Co.
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