Kay Hart Named President and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand
Ford on Monday announced that Kay Hart, the current global BEV manager of distribution and digital experience for Team Edison, has been appointed president and CEO of Ford Australia and New Zealand. The appointment takes immediate effect in the wake of Graeme Whickman’s resignation from the company.
“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.”
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Hart, 40, is a native New Zealander who obtained her bachelor’s in business, management, and marketing from Auckland University of Technology in 1999. She began her career with Ford the same year, taking on various marketing, sales, and service roles with Ford New Zealand before becoming national sales manager in 2005. In her nearly 20 years with Ford, she has served in a number of key roles, including vice president of Marketing for Ford Thailand and managing director for Ford Group Philippines.
Hart will be based out of Melbourne, where she will report to Ford Group Vice President and President of Ford Asia Pacific Peter Fleet.
“Kay is a proven leader, highly motivated by consumer insights and dealer relations,” said Fleet. “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.”
Fleet also wished Whickman well and thanked him for contributions made in his 20-plus years with Ford.
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