Ford Australia announces first female president

Ford has announced Kay Hart as the first female president and CEO of Ford of Australia and New Zealand, effective from today.

Previously in charge of Ford’s global electric vehicle business, Hart replaces another New Zealander at the helm of Ford Australia, following the resignation of Graeme Whickman.

Whickman, who became Ford Australia chief in May 2015 and oversaw the closure of Ford’s local manufacturing operations in October 2016, has resigned from Ford after 20 years to head up $1.2 billion automotive parts group GUD Holdings from October 1.

It’s the second time in a decade that a Ford Australia boss has gone on to head up a large ASX-listed company, after Tom Gorman left Ford Australia to join Brambles in 2008, before heading up the supply-chain logistics company from 2009 to 2016.

Like Whickman, 40-year-old Hart is a native Kiwi and will be based in Melbourne, reporting to Ford group vice-president and president of Ford Asia Pacific, Peter Fleet.

Despite her former role as previous role as global BEV manager, distribution & customer experience at Team Edison, which is “focused primarily on rapidly designing and implementing new holistic customer-focused BEV services and ownership experiences”, Ford says it will remain business as usual in Australia.

“There will no major departure from our existing plans in the Australia and New Zealand markets,” said Ford Australia communications manager Jasmine Mobarek.

“Kay is looking forward to working with the FCAI and industry on a broad range of opportunities, and the discussion around EVs will be part of that.

“In the meantime, Kay is excited to join the team and continuing the great progress that has been made in the consumer experience and helping accelerate growth across the business.”

Fresh from announcing a return to profit for the first time since 2010, Ford Australia has just launched a facelifted version of the Mustang – its second best selling model – and is about to release an upgraded Ranger, it’s top-selling model.

They will be joined later this year by an upgraded Everest, a new Focus family and the all-new Endura SUV, followed next year by the new Fiesta ST hot hatch.

But Ford’s Australian sales remain down more than nine per cent to May this year and its market share has fallen to 6.1 per cent, placing it fifth behind Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

Ford is yet to sell any electrified models in Australia, where its plan to compete with Toyota’s Camry Hybrid with a petrol-electric version of the Mondeo was aborted.

As part of her responsibility for Ford’s National Sales Company in Australia and New Zealand – including marketing, sales, service, dealer relations, customer satisfaction and sales performance -- Fleet said Hart will continue to lead the transformation of Ford’s business and customer experience.

“Kay is a proven leader, highly motivated by consumer insights and dealer relations,” he said.

“She has broad experience across the company and around the globe. With strong knowledge and relationships in Australia and New Zealand, Kay will be a wonderful addition to our leadership team and a strong advocate for our customers and dealers.”

Ford said that during her time as Advanced Consumer Experience Marketing Manager, Hart led innovations such as FordPass – the company’s one-stop app that delivers solutions aimed at helping consumers get the most out of their vehicle ownership experience.

Prior to that Hart, who started her career in the Ford New Zealand marketing team in 1998, was managing director of Ford Philippines from 2013 to 2015.

“I am excited to come back to Asia Pacific and work with such a strong and accomplished Ford Australia and New Zealand team,” said Hart.

“I’m looking forward to working with our dealers and team to continue the great progress that has been made in the consumer experience and helping accelerate growth across the business.”

Fleet paid tribute to Whickman’s time at Ford, which included a variety of marketing and sales positions in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

“Graeme has enjoyed an accomplished career at Ford,” said Fleet. “He has been instrumental in significant efforts around the globe including Canada, China and most recently, leading the transformation of Ford’s business in Australia and New Zealand.

“We thank Graeme for his contribution and wish him and his family well.”

Whickman joined Ford in 1997 as a zone manager in Ford New Zealand after working for Coca-Cola in New Zealand and Hertz Rent A Car in the UK. GUD Holdings owns Disc Brakes Australia and AA Gaskets.

“I know I leave a much stronger Ford Australia and New Zealand than only a few years ago, a company that has a strong and vibrant future,” said Whickman.

“The industry is undergoing rapid change, and I have confidence the local leadership teams have the right plans in place to be successful.

“They will continue to be held up in the Global Ford world as great examples of what happens when good, focused strategies are supported by committed and skilful employees and dealers.”