DEARBORN, MI: Joe Jacuzzi, VP of product and brand communications for PepsiCo Americas Beverages, is joining the Ford Motor Company communications team.
Jacuzzi, who was with PepsiCo for two and a half years, will start his new role at Ford on February 27 as Lincoln communications manager, reporting to Paul Harrison, Ford's global product communications director.
“My goal is do whatever I can with a phenomenal team to help reinvent Lincoln into a world class luxury brand,” Jacuzzi said.
Ray Day, VP of communications at Ford, said Jacuzzi will work with the Lincoln communications team to enhance Ford's reputation and tell the company's brand story to media, investors, governmental leaders, and consumers. He added that Jacuzzi will also work with the communications team to further develop its skill level and expertise.
“Joe brings to Lincoln a deep understanding of product technologies, consumer engagement and a unique perspective to the luxury market,” Day told PRWeek via email.
Prior to Pepsi, Jacuzzi worked at General Motors for about 10 years, holding multiple positions, including general director of communications for the company's Latin America, Africa, and Middle East region, executive director of Europe product and brand communications, and head of communications in the UK. He also served as VP of marketing, product planning, and communications at Shelby Automobiles for one year.
Jacuzzi's exit from PepsiCo is the fourth high-profile departure from its communications department in recent times. Former APCO Worldwide and Wyeth executive Tim Cost, EVP, global corporate affairs, left PepsiCo at the start of 2012. At the end of January, Julie Hamp, SVP of consumer relations and CCO, resigned from her position, followed by PepsiCo's senior global director of digital and social media, Bonin Bough, who joined Kraft Foods as VP of global digital and consumer engagement earlier this month.
PepsiCo also recently stated that it will be putting some of its food and beverage brands up for review in order to decrease its roster of PR agencies.
