Ford Picks Up Ex-Apple Exec
Stern will head software-based ventures, including autonomous-vehicle development.
Stern is tasked with integrating software, hardware and services to create new consumer experiences.
IMAGE: Ford
Ford hired a former Apple executive to head a new unit focused on vehicle software-based systems as it works to gain more revenue from subscriptions.
Peter Stern, former Apple vice president of services, will lead Ford Integrated Services, which includes building the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, along with productivity and safety services. He’ll be tasked with integrating software, hardware and services to create new consumer experiences, “delivering exciting new high-value services” and “out-of-vehicle customer experiences and Ford Next,” Ford said, the latter being Ford’s autonomous-vehicle development unit.
At Apple, Stern oversaw Apple TV+ and Sports, iCloud, Apple News and other units, along with marketing for all company services, including Apple Maps and Apple Music, and Apple’s advertising businesses in “a period of rapid growth,” Ford said.
Stern has a legal background, with a law degree from Yale.
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