Ford NZ’s MD moves on
Annaliese Atina is stepping down as managing director of Ford New Zealand having been appointed to the same role at Ford Vietnam, effective December 1.
She will relocate to Hanoi to take up the new position, reporting directly to Andrew Birkic, vice-president of sales and service for Ford International Markets Group.
Atina, pictured, joined Ford NZ as MD and executive director in 2024. During her tenure, she led initiatives to strengthen customer experience, dealer performance and commercial growth, while developing new revenue opportunities and guiding the business through regulatory change and evolving customer expectations.
“Annaliese has been an outstanding leader for Ford New Zealand,” says Birkic. “Her commercial leadership and focus on customers and dealers have strengthened our business here.
“That same energy and capability will now benefit Ford Vietnam as it builds on its recent momentum. On behalf of Ford, I want to thank her for everything she has achieved with the New Zealand team.”
Atina has more than 20 years’ leadership experience across automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications and technology. She has a strong combination of commercial leadership, strategic thinking and stakeholder management, with a proven track record of leading businesses through growth and transformation.
Prior to Ford, she held senior leadership roles with Vodafone NZ and Coca-Cola Amatil, leading large-scale customer, sales and commercial businesses.
Alongside her executive career, Atina has held governance roles across technology and education. She is the founder and head coach of the Ambition Collective, supporting the development of future leaders.
“It has been a privilege to lead Ford NZ over the past two years,” she says. “I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved together in strengthening our customer experience, supporting our dealers and driving commercial growth.
“While I’m excited for this new opportunity with Ford Vietnam, I’ll be taking with me some great memories and lessons from working alongside such a talented team here.”
Arrangements for the leadership of Ford NZ will be announced in due course. Birkic says: “New Zealand remains an important market for Ford, and we are confident in the strength of the local team to continue delivering for our customers and dealers. We wish Annaliese every success as she takes on this exciting challenge.”
