Nigel Harris to take over as Ford India head from February 1

New Delhi: Just days ahead of the upcoming Auto Expo, US auto major Ford today announced a top level change in its Indian operations, appointing Nigel Harris as president replacing the incumbent Joginder Singh.

Mr Harris, vice president sales and service, Ford Asia Pacific, has been appointed as president, Ford India effective February 1, 2014, the company said in a statement.

Mr Singh will repatriate to US as director corporate strategy, Ford Motor Company, it added.

"In his new role, Harris will be responsible for managing and growing the integrated manufacturing operation of Ford India," the statement said.

He will also lead the charge for product programmes to serve both customers in India as well as the growing export business, besides overseeing Ford's expansion plans in India through its operations in Chennai and its second upcoming integrated facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

Mr Harris will be based at Ford's India corporate office in Gurgaon, and report directly to Ford Asia Pacific President, David Schoch, it said.

The change in leadership comes at a time when all automobile majors are gearing up for the Auto Expo, which is to be held between February 5-11 at Greater Noida.

Mr Schoch said: "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.

"In addition, his 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."

Mr Harris has been with Ford since in 1985 in New Zealand, where he joined as a fleet sales analyst and has held a variety of positions in Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific. He has 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.

Mr Singh will assume his new role from March 1, 2014. He has been located in India since 2008 and played an important role in the launch of Ford EcoSport.

Before serving as president and managing director, Ford India, he served as president & managing director, Ford Business Services Center, responsible for Ford's Global Business Services operations headquartered in Chennai, India.

He has been with Ford over 33 years, serving the company's operations globally in a variety of verticals including finance, treasury, strategy, and general management roles -- in Europe, United States and Canada.