scott montyScott Monty, the Ford Motor Company PR and digital communications guru who stepped down in May, has joined Shift Communications in Boston as executive VP of strategy.

Shift CEO Todd Defren credited Monty with Ford's digital prowess, noting the carmakers is among the top companies "getting it right" in the social media space. He said Monty will have a chance to make a "big, positive impact both at the firm and, for a wide swath of our clients."

Monty, who wrote about the move on his blog, was global digital and multimedia communications manager for Ford, exiting in May after six years. He was previously at digital shop crayon.

At Shift, Monty will develop new services, counsel clients and represent Shift at events, among other roles. He starts July 28.

Independent Shift has outposts in San Francisco and New York, as well.