FordDirect Names Three New Senior Vice Presidents

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DEARBORN — FordDirect, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and its franchise dealers, announced the promotion of several FordDirect employees, including the appointment of three employees to senior vice president.

The following appointments were made: James Casazza, senior vice president of digital retail solutions; John Gottschalk, senior vice president of customer engagement; and Marianne Tappy, senior vice president of global digital innovation.

As senior vice president of digital retail solutions, Casazza leads product strategy and delivery across a portfolio of digital marketing services including websites, mobile solutions, consumer marketing, and inventory management.

Casazza holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, and a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering, all from Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

Gottschalk leads the customer engagement team across all business lines where his responsibilities include building and maintaining customer relationships. He received a bachelor’s degree in general studies with concentrations in biology and psychology from Kent State University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from Duquesne University. Gottschalk is also a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Associations Dealer Academy.

Tappy will be responsible for setting the global strategic direction across various digital experiences including online shopping, social, and digital advertising. Tappy earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of Michigan, and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.