Ford’s Mark Ovenden is to move back to Russia as president and CEO of Ford’s Russia JV, Ford Sollers.
Ovenden is currently heading up Ford’s UK operations and has worked in Russia for Ford in the past. He succeeds Ted Cannis, who after four years as president and CEO, Ford Sollers, will become executive director, Investor Relations at Ford.
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Ovenden’s new role becomes effective from July 1.
Andy Barratt, presently director, Sales, Ford of Britain, is appointed chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, effective July 1.
“We are excited and fortunate to have talented and experienced leaders in Mark Ovenden and Andy Barratt, who will accelerate the progress we have made in Russia and the UK. Success in these markets is critical to creating a sustainably profitable and vibrant Ford business in Europe,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
“I want to thank Ted Cannis for his leadership during a turbulent period in Russia,” added Farley.
Ovenden was president and managing director of Ford of Russia from 2008 to 2011. He returned to Britain in 2011 as managing director of Ford of Britain, and was appointed to the dual role of chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, in April 2013.
Ford has decided that it will invest in its Russia operations and considers it to be a market with good long-term growth prospects in spite of recent difficulties being experienced by the Russian economy. A sharp decline to the vehicle market and the depreciation of Russia’s currency has hit vehicle manufacturers hard and led GM – in contrast with Ford – to roll back its Russia market strategy earlier this year.
See also: GENEVA: Ford adjusting to Russia challenges – Farley
