FORD of Europe has appointed Nick Caton as vice-president human resources. Caton will report to president and chief operating officer Martin Leach.

He succeeds John Walker, who is relocating to the US to take on the role of executive director, human resources, international operations and global purchasing.

Caton is currently director of human resources for Land Rover and he joined Ford's Premier Automotive Group in July 2000.

His previous roles include human resources director for the Ford/VW joint venture, AutoEuropa, in Portugal.