By Angela Chen 

Ford Motor Co. on Friday said it would add former Federal Communications Commission Chairman William E. Kennard to its board, effective Jan. 1.

Mr. Kennard, 57 years old, is chairman and co-founder of asset-management firm Velocitas Partners LLC and was a former ambassador to the European Union. He also serves on the boards of AT&T Inc., MetLife Inc. and Duke Energy Corp.

The auto maker said Mr. Kennard will join the board's nominating and governance committee.

Chairman Bill Ford praised Mr. Kennard's experience in telecommunications and technology. "As we accelerate our work in the areas of in-car connectivity and mobility, his unique perspective will help guide our strategy and Blueprint for Mobility forward," he said.

Ford has been focusing on high-tech add-ons to its vehicles. This week, it said it would launch a new version of its in-car multimedia system that lets iPhone users use Siri voice controls. The company was also among the first auto makers to offer a mobile-phone-based entertainment system.

Ford said Homer Neal will leave the board after 18 years to focus on his work as president-elect of the American Physical Society. Board member Bill Helman will replace Mr. Neal as chairman of the sustainability committee.

Write to Angela Chen at angela.chen@dowjones.com

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