DEARBORN, Mich. -

Ford Motor Credit revealed Wednesday that is has appointed a chief operating officer.

Tapped for the newly created position is Bernard Silverstone, who is currently the president of marketing and sales for Ford Credit. Silverstone has also been elected a corporate officer of Ford Motor Co., as well.

He will move into his new position Jan 1.

In the newly created COO position, Silverstone — who has been with the company for 32 years — will lead Ford Credit’s operations in its four global regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa, and Latin America.

Moreover, he will head up marketing, sales and brand, business center operations, quality and process management and insurance operations.

In his new position, he will continue to report to Mike Bannister, Ford executive vice president and Ford Credit chairman and chief executive officer.

"Bernard’s global operating experience and deep knowledge of the financing business will serve us well as Ford Credit grows its business to support Ford’s growth plans," said Bannister.

"He’ll sharpen our focus on further aligning our operations globally and provide strong leadership as we continue to profitably support Ford, its dealers and customers,” he added.

 Delving more into Silverstone’s 32-year career at the company, his first position was at Ford Credit Britain as a field representative.

Since then, he has held a variety of staff, operations and leadership positions in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia, and had regional responsibilities for various European and Asia Pacific operations. 

In Silverstone’s current position as president of marketing and sales, he is responsible for Ford Credit’s marketing and sales operations globally, as well as having senior management responsibility for international operations, which covers all Ford Credit business units outside the U.S. and Canada. Previously, he was chairman of Ford Credit Europe, officials noted.

"Ford Credit’s prudent lending practices, superior servicing and strong business fundamentals ensure reliable support for Ford, dealers and customers through all economic cycles," said Bannister.

"With a keen focus on our dealers, customers and investors, Bernard will play a key role as we deliver even more to all our stakeholders,” he concluded.