Ford of Europe, which last month pledged rapid improvements at its London Dagenham plant following allegations of racism, has appointed a diversity director.

Surinder Sharma was recruited from Littlewoods, the UK retailing and leisure business. He was equal opportunities head at BBC Television from 1990-95.

Kamaljeet Jandu, appointed Ford of Britain national manager for diversity, was previously policy officer in the TUC's equal rights department.

Nick Scheele, Ford of Europe president, said “the diversity of our people is a key strength” when the Commission for Racial Equality agreed to put an inquiry on hold.

Mr Scheele said: “Surinder Sharma is joining Ford in an important role for our business in Europe.”