International car manufacturing companies are generally difficult to run, especially as members of senior management constantly need to be up to date with a myriad of industry information including car markets in various countries, regulations concerning dealerships, motor trade insurance policies, finance packages and new technology. This is why when appointing someone in a senior role at a car manufacturing company the decision makers always look at how much experience the candidate has in the industry, and whether they will be able to improve the company in the future.
Therefore, it is no surprise that Ford have decided to allow their current managing director Mark Ovenden to also take on the role of chairman for the company. Under his new additional role as chairman, Mr Ovenden will be expected to represent Ford on key issues such as the future of the car manufacturing industry in the UK, research and development, skills and the low-emission agenda. The current chairman for Ford is Joe Greenwell, who has recently decided to retire from his position as of this April, and has been working with Mark to ease him into his new role.
Discussing his new job role, Mr Ovenden said: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead to ensure Ford maintains its leading position in the UK automotive industry. It has been a great pleasure to work closely with Joe over the last 18 months and it is an honor to take on the role as chairman. I wish Joe every success in his future endeavors.” Meanwhile, Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell said: “Joe has worked tirelessly to maintain Ford’s leading position in the UK industry. Mark Ovenden has considerable international automotive experience, which will equip him well in taking on these extra responsibilities. He is a great asset to Ford of Britain.”
Mark Ovenden began working in the car manufacturing industry as a graduate trainee with Austin Morris, and throughout his career has worked for famous car manufacturers such as Jaguar, Ford of Europe, and Ford of North America. Before he became the managing director (and now chairman) at Ford, he was the CEO and chairman of Jaguar Cars, and in 2011 was even awarded a CBE as part of the Queen’s birthday honors list in recognition of his services to the automotive industry.
