Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn announced that Steven Armstrong, chairman of Ford of Europe, has been named president of the Changan Ford joint venture in China, effective Oct. 1. He succeeds Nigel Harris, who plans to retire at the end of the year after working at Ford for 34 years.
Armstrong will report to Anning Chen, president and CEO of Ford China. He has more than 30 years of automotive and Ford experience from general management and purchasing leadership positions around the world. He was president and chairman of Ford of Europe, Middle East, and Africa; president of Ford South America; COO of Getrag-Ford Transmissions; and in senior leadership positions at Jaguar Cars and Volvo Cars.
“Steve’s leadership will help us further strengthen the Changan Ford JV as we bring more new vehicles to the China market, including our first global all-electric small SUV,” says Jim Hackett, president and CEO of Ford. “His deep understanding of Ford and the automotive industry and keen ability to build productive relationships with partners and employees around the globe will serve us well as we drive Ford’s growth in China.”
Harris has held leadership roles in Ford business operations and marketing, sales, and service. Prior to his current role, he served as president of Ford India Private Ltd.; vice president of Asia Pacific sales, services, and distribution; and general manager of Changan Ford Sales Co.
“Nigel is a highly seasoned executive who has motivated our people around the globe and has been a valuable asset to this company,” says Hackett. “He has had an accomplished career at Ford, including key leadership positions in China, Europe, India, and Asia Pacific, and we appreciate his significant contributions.”
Harris will work with Armstrong through the transition and then advise Changan Ford and support the evolution of the Ford China 2.0 Plan until his retirement.
