Ford CEO joins IBM board as auto industry transforms

Ford Motor Co Chief Executive Mark Fields is joining IBM's board of directors as the No. 2 U.S. automaker explores alternative mobility options beyond selling cars and trucks.

Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM said on Tuesday that Fields, 55, was elected to join the board starting March 1. "Mark led the highly successful transformation of his company in a competitive industry where technology has driven innovation. He is leading Ford into a future where cars are not only vehicles, but increasingly becoming mobile technology platforms," said Ginni Rometty, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Under Fields, Ford has looked at alternatives to traditional car ownership, including mergers and acquisitions and partnerships. Ford and other automakers are increasingly focused on self-driving cars and the potential disruptive influence autonomous cars may have on future car ownership.