Rutherford leaving Ford NZ

Ford New Zealand has confirmed managing director Simon Rutherford will soon be leaving the business to take on a new role for the marque.

Tom Clancy, a spokesman for Ford NZ, says Rutherford, pictured, will continue in his current position in the short term to help manage the transition. 

“Since his appointment as managing director of Ford NZ in 2016, he has guided the New Zealand business to record sales levels, including light commercial segment leadership and ongoing overall Ford Ranger market leadership,” adds Clancy. 

The new role for Rutherford, who is also currently president of the Motor Industry Association, and his replacement in New Zealand will be announced in due course.

He has spent more than 25 years with Ford Motor Company and prior to arriving in New Zealand was manager – global order to delivery in the US.

Rutherford’s other past roles with the blue oval have included management positions in China, Thailand and the UK.