Smither succeeds Marv Adams, who has resigned as senior vice president, CIO and Corporate Strategy, to join Citigroup as its new CIO, Ford said. His resignation is effective April 21.

Smither most recently served as executive director for Global Information Technology Business Operations, and reported to Adams. In his new role, he will report to Jim Padilla, Ford's president and chief operating officer, the automaker said.

Smither joined Ford in 1980 as an engineer in product development for Ford of Europe. He moved to information technology in 1983 as a systems analyst and subsequently held a variety of management positions in product development, finance and marketing and sales. Smither relocated to the U.S. in 1995 to lead the IT integration of South American locations as part of Ford 2000. Before moving into his current role, Smither led the finance systems team and the product development systems team, according to Ford.

'As chief information officer, Nick Smither will provide valuable continuity in leadership and strategic focus. We look forward to the contributions this function will make under his direction,' Padilla said in a statement. 'We also wish Marv Adams well in his new role and thank him for his work at Ford Motor Company.'