LONDON, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A clash between the head of Ford Motor and Nick Scheele, president of the company's British operations, has prompted Scheele to call it quits.
Although Scheele, Britain's most respected car executive, is expected to invoke health concerns for his departure, the real reason is believed to be ongoing tension with Bill Ford, the company's chairman, the Guardian reported Monday.
The 60-year-old Scheele, who just had a hip replacement operation and has worked at Ford since 1966, was "pushed" into the president's role earlier this year, sources told the Guardian.
In 2003 Scheele was accused of improperly steering Ford's advertising business to the WPP group, owned by fellow Briton and personal friend, Martin Sorrell.
Scheele suddenly reversed that policy but damage had been done to his reputation. Scheele also had disputes with the head of international operations, David Thursfield.
Earlier this year his chief operating officer post was given to Jim Padilla, reportedly the last straw for Scheele.
