New Kiwi boss for Ford

Kay Hart started out in the Ford New Zealand marketing department in 1998 and has today been announced as president and chief executive officer of Ford New Zealand and Australia, effective immediately.

Hart replaces Graeme Whickman who has ended a 20-year career with Ford. 

Prior to this Hart was the global distribution and digital experience manager from Team Edison – a team within Ford formed to speed up its electric vehicle development.

Hart, 40, will now be based in Melbourne, reporting to Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific.

In this role, Hart will be responsible for Ford’s National Sales Company in Australia and New Zealand, including marketing, sales and service, dealer relations, customer satisfaction and sales performance.

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

Whickman, meanwhile, will become the new managing director and chief executive officer of $1.2 billion automotive parts group GUD Holdings, the company announced today.

He is set to start with the parts manufacturer on October 1.