Ford recruits former Apple executive to spearhead consumer software and integrated services

Ford Motor has hired former Apple executive Peter Stern to lead a newly created division called "Ford Integrated Services," focused on developing and marketing software-enabled customer experiences. The move is part of Ford's efforts to monetize emerging software offerings and increase recurring revenue through software subscriptions. Stern will report directly to CEO Jim Farley, who has been restructuring the company under the Ford+ plan, aimed at making operations more efficient and positioning the automaker for investments in electric vehicles, software, and other emerging technologies.