Ford has appointed Jenny Ball as its new executive director of human resources at the company’s Brentwood headquarters.

Ball is currently senior human resources manager for Ford's Dagenham factory, where around 4,500 are employed in diesel engine production, stamping, tooling and transport operations.

She will start on January 1, 2009 and will report to Ford of Europe HR vice president, Nick Caton.

Jenny has 13 years experience in HR at Ford, having started at Dagenham as HR officer before other assignments at Dunton technical centre, near Basildon, and head office.

Ball replaces Bob Blenkinsop, who has been with Ford HR for 18 years and executive director since 2006. Blenkinsop is taking a position outside the automotive industry.