(Image source: Danis Foundation)

BY BLAKE HANSON

After ending his presidential campaign -- Jon Huntsman is back to business -- a pretty big business. Ford announced Thursday the former Utah governor will be elected to the company’s board of directors. Bloomberg has a statement from the auto company...

“Here’s what Ford had to say in their statement about it, they said: Jon brings to Ford’s board of directors extensive global knowledge and experience - particularly in Asia with trade issues...”

Huntsman resigned from his ambassadorship to China in 2011 to pursue the GOP nomination. The Huffington Post says Ford is playing catch-up with some of its competitors in China and CNBC seems to agree...

“If you want to do some business in China? It might not hurt to have Huntsman on your board.”

Fox Business reports having a former presidential candidate on the Ford board is not all that uncommon, writing...

“...Huntsman joins former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., who also mounted unsuccessful bids for president.”

So, what else is in store for Huntsman? The Salt Lake Tribune writes...

“...he may take on a few more boards and is also looking at a potential job with a news media company, though he said details on that would be announced later.”

The move comes amid several other big management changes for Ford. Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth and Global Products Chief Derrick Kuzak are both retiring. MSNBC has details on the impact the two had...

“... [Kuzak] oversaw Ford’s shift from a regional to a global product development strategy; and Lewis Booth, the maker’s chief financial officer, who helped guide its financial turnaround during a dramatic industry downturn that saw its two domestic competitors declare bankruptcy.”