PIO Rajendra ‘Raj’ Rao named Ford subsidiary’s CEO

Ford Motor Company has appointed India-born Rajendra “Raj” Rao as chief executive officer of Ford Smart Mobility LLC, a subsidiary of the automaker.

In March this year, Ford Motor Company had announced creation of Ford Smart Mobility LLC to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services.

Rao will report to Jim Hackett, Ford Smart Mobility LLC chairman, and be based in Palo Alto, California.

“Ford Smart Mobility is a significant growth opportunity for Ford. Raj has deep experience in digital transformation, new business model cultivation and start-up partnerships. He is the right leader to lead the delivery of mobility services globally and bring to life our vision to change the way the world moves,” Hackett said in a statement.

As CEO, Rao will lead the creation and growth of Ford Smart Mobility LLC’s various businesses, including the recently announced City Solutions business, the Chariot shuttle business and Greenfield Labs, Ford Smart Mobility LLC s business model incubator.

Rao has created, built and transformed businesses for iGATE Capital, Brunswick Corporation and, most recently, 3M. As the vice president of digital business model innovation at 3M, Rao led the company’s Silicon Valley digital hub and Internet-of-Things projects, based in Redwood City, California. 

He has significant global experience, having worked in and led business operations in Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America.

Ford Smart Mobility LLC is part of Ford’s expanded business model to be both an auto and a mobility company.It is working with Ford’s product development, research and advanced engineering, marketing and data analytics teams to develop commercially-ready mobility services and invest in promising mobility-related ventures.