Former Lowe’s Exec Mike Amend Named Ford Chief Digital Officer

The Ford Motor Company has appointed a former Lowe’s exec to lead its digital efforts.

Mike Amend, who spent the last three years as online president for the home improvement brand, is now serving as Ford’s chief digital and information officer, reporting to President and CEO Jim Farley, the carmaker announced in a press release Monday (Sept. 13).

“Mike adds dimension to our team as we use technology and software to transform our company and transportation from the inside-out,” Farley said in the release. “Ford has always been an innovator in vehicles; now we’re taking our digital capabilities to new levels to further differentiate ourselves with customers and from competitors.”

Amend will be responsible for Ford’s technology and software platform, which includes enterprise information technology and global data insights and analytics, the release stated.

“His team will help translate customer needs into software solutions that engage and create value for them, Ford and other stakeholders,” Ford said in the release.

Amend’s team will work closely with Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer, and Doug Field, another recent hire who serves as chief advanced technology and embedded systems officer, according to the release.

“I’m excited to join Ford at such a pivotal time in the company and the industry,” Amend said in the release. “We’re completely reimagining digital experiences for our customers, colleagues, dealers and partners, and will use technology and real-time data to bring that vision to life.”

Lowe’s online sales nearly tripled under Amend’s tenure, the release stated. He also held similar positions at JCPenney and The Home Depot, where online business grew by more than 20% and 40% a year, respectively.

Amend’s arrival at Ford comes less than a month after news broke that the auto giant was looking to get more car buyers designing their vehicles online and waiting to pick them up as they’re built.

Read more: Ford Wants to Sell More Custom Cars

The company is hoping to change consumer buying practices to reduce the cost of maintaining inventories, while also lowering the risk of making cars that age on lots while their potential sale prices decline. Ford’s reported plan is to reduce the stock of cars on hand at dealerships — or en route to dealerships — from a 75-day supply to a 50- to 60-day supply.