Roe succeeds Philip G. Spender, (rearmost touching the Mustang, above) who has been named president and CEO of Changan Ford, a China-based joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Changan Automobile Group. Spender was previously President, CEO and COO, AutoAlliance International, Inc. (AAI) in Flat Rock, Mich, where he was responsible for the successful launches of the Mazda6 and the all-new 2005 Ford Mustang, and a $700 million investment in the AAI operation. AAI is a joint venture of Ford and Mazda in North America.

Roe brings extensive manufacturing and operational experience to his new job at AAI. From September 1998 to June 2001, he served as plant manager at Ford's Broadmeadows Plant in Australia. Prior to that, he was plant manager for Ford's Geelong Stamping Plant, also in Australia. He joined Ford Motor Company in 1986.

According to John Parker, executive vice-president of Mazda Motor Corporation and Chairman of the Board of AAI, "The AAI facility is a centrally important plant for both Mazda and Ford in North America, and demonstrates the value of the Mazda Ford partnership."

Parker added, "This move is also beneficial for all parties as Phil will be assuming a new manufacturing role in China and will continue to work with Ford and Mazda. He did an outstanding job during his tenure as president and CEO of AAI, and we believe he will continue this success in China.

"We welcome Phil on board as the new president of Changan Ford," said Yin Jiaxu. "His international experience, combined with the successful launches of two new cars for Ford and Mazda in the U.S. make him an ideal successor to Ron Tyack who has been with Changan Ford from the start."

As Hau Thai Tang, who was intimately associated with delivery of the 2005 Mustang, moved on to greater heights, so has Phil Spender. Perhaps there is a ripple efffect that does not end here.

The pony would be proud.