Ford (F) Facing CEO Succession Concerns

An article from the Detroit Free Press started the conversation again about the succession plans of Ford Motor (NYSE:F), which has apparently had a detrimental effect on the stock of the company Monday.

The Detroit Free Press noteded the potential succession of CEO Alan Mulally, which may happen before the end of 2011 or potentially within the next few years. Mulally, though 65, hasn't made any official comments about stepping down as Chief at Ford, but some speculate as to who will be next in line should something happen.

An aging Warren Buffett as Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK-A) and poor health of Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Steve Jobs has shareholders pressuring companies to lay out a more transparent process concerning succession plans for the heads of companies.

Some names being thrown about for potential successors to Mulally include Ford Americas President Mark Fields, Ford Europe CEO Stephen Odell, Asia Pacific and Africa President Joe Hinrichs, Group Vice President of Marketing Jim Farley and Vice President of Global Product Development Derrick Kuzak.

CFO Lewis Booth and Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. are considered possible short-term candidates in case something unexpected happens.

Ford was trading at $14.03, down $0.39, or 2.67 percent, as of 1:12 PM EST.