J Mays Retiring as Ford's Global Design Chief

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole
Big changes are taking place in Ford’s styling department. J Mays, the company’s global design chief is retiring. He’ll be replaced by Moray Callum, design director at Ford in North America.

Mays has been with the company since 1997, though he’s worked at numerous other automakers throughout his career. The 59-year-old has done time at Audi, BMW and Volkswagen.

The man with a letter for his first name is credited with many standout designs over his long career. Concept vehicles like the Ford Interceptor and Fairlane, the Jaguar F-Type and Lincoln MKZ were all projects he led.

As for production vehicles Mays was responsible for the 2013 Fusion sedan and the 2012 Focus, as well as the reborn 2010 Taurus. He also played a role in the 2004 F-150 pickup truck, the 2010 Mustang and iconic 2005 Ford GT.

Callum will take the reins from Mays, leading global design for all concept and production Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Before signing on with Ford in 2006 he was based in Hiroshima, Japan where he lead design for Mazda.

But Mays is not the only person retiring at the Blur Oval. Jim Tetreault, Ford’s vice president of North American manufacturing and Martin Mulloy, VP of labor relations are also bowing out. All of these changes should take place on January 1, 2014.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

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