Ford
Motor Company announced that Nigel Harris, vice president sales and service,
Ford Asia Pacific, has been appointed as president, Ford India effective
February 1, 2014. Harris succeeds Joginder Singh who has been assigned a new
role of Director, Corporate Strategy, Ford Motor Company
In his new role, Harris will be responsible
for managing and growing the integrated manufacturing operation of Ford India.
He also will lead the charge for product programs to serve both customers in
India as well as the growing export business, and he will oversee the
successful implementation of Ford’s expansion plans in India, through its
operations in Chennai and its second upcoming integrated facility in Sanand,
Gujarat. Harris will be based at Ford’s India corporate office in Gurgaon, and
report directly to David Schoch, president, Ford Asia Pacific.
“Nigel’s vast experience with Ford globally
will enable the Ford team in India to continue to deliver on our plan to
provide great products, build a strong business and contribute to a better
world,” said Dave Schoch. "In addition, Nigel’s deep understanding of the
Indian market will help the company build on its strong foundation and develop
a robust product strategy to ensure long
term profitable growth for the Company and a bright future for everyone
associated with Ford in India.”
Harris, who began his Ford career in 1985 in
New Zealand as a fleet sales analyst, has held a variety of positions in
Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific. He also
has been associated with Indian operations for long, when he served as the
brand development manager for global B cars during Ford’s entry into the Indian
market, almost 15 years ago. This
continued through his current role overseeing sales, distribution and service
for Asia Pacific, which includes India.