New chairman and MD for Ford of Britain

Andy Barratt has been appointed chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, from July 1, 2015, succeeding Mark Ovenden who has been appointed president and CEO, Ford Sollers, the joint venture of Ford Motor Company and JSC Sollers in Russia.

Mark Ovenden returned to Britain as managing director in August 2011 and was appointed to the dual role as chairman and managing director in April 2013.  Before his August 2011 appointment he was managing director and president of Ford Russia, as part of a three-year assignment, which makes him ideal for his new role.Andy Barratt was appointed director, Sales, Ford of Britain, in July 2011, prior to this he was director, Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD), Ford of Britain. Andy Barratt was a district sales manager in Ford of Britain before his role as director FCSD and before that had led the UK sales teams for five years in the Eastern and Northern districts.

Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark back to Russia following a successful period improving sales and increasing the quality of our business in Britain.  He is well equipped to deal with the current difficult market conditions in this market as well as the tremendous potential it offers.”

Roelant de Waard, vice president of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe, said: “Andy has a wealth of experience in the UK business that makes him well placed to manage Ford’s biggest European market and to take on the chairman’s responsibilities, representing Ford on key issues such as the future of UK automotive manufacturing, skills, research and development, and the low-emissions agenda.”