Ford Motor Co. today announced the first senior executive changes under CEO Mark Fields, reported Michigan Live.

The moves affect the Dearborn-based automaker's research and advanced engineering and luxury Lincoln brand.

Kumar Galhotra, currently vice president of engineering, will become vice president and president of Lincoln on Sept. 1, replacing Jim Farley, who will remain executive vice president for global sales, marketing and service. Jim Holland, a 30-year Ford veteran, will succeed Galhotra as vice president for vehicle component and systems engineering.

"These changes underscore our commitment to build on the success of our One Ford plan by accelerating our pace of progress," Fields said in a statement. "They also make clear we are serious about Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand and that product excellence and innovation are what will deliver growth and define our entire company going forward."

Separately, Ken Washington will become Ford's vice president for research and advanced engineering, effective Aug. 18. He succeeds Paul Mascarenas who is retiring Oct. 1 as chief technical officer and head of research and advanced engineering.

Washington was most recently was vice president of the Space Technology Advanced Research & Development Laboratories at Lockheed Martin's Space Systems Co.

Both Washington and Holland will report to Raj Nair, group vice president of global product development.

Washington will oversee the development and implementation of the company's technology strategy and plans – helping to lead Ford's accelerated drive for innovation throughout all areas of its business.

Galhotra will oversee the development of the next generation of Lincoln vehicles and all of its operations, including its recent expansion into China.

Fields, in a statement, said having a "dedicated senior Lincoln leader" will serve the brand and customers better.

"Now is the right time for the next chapter in accelerating Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand," he said. "Kumar has more than 25 years of global product and business experience, including leading engineering for all of our Lincoln vehicles today."

Since November 2012, when Fields was named COO, Farley has led Lincoln and all of Ford's global sales, marketing and service. Under Farley, the brand launched the new MKC crossover, expanded into China and made some strides in the U.S.

Lincoln sales are up 16 percent during the first half of 2014 compared to the same time period a year ago. But they remain far below the brand's glory days 20 years ago. According to the New York Times, Lincoln sales peaked in 1990 at over 200,000 vehicles. In 2013, Lincoln sales totaled less than 82,000 vehicles.

Fields succeeded Alan Mulally as CEO on July 1.