Ford announces new Australia and NZ CEO

Kay Hart, who is Ford Motor Company’s new Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive, comes from an electric vehicle (EV) background.

She replaces Graeme Whickman, who has left the company after 20 years to take up a new opportunity.

Hart, who will be based out of Melbourne, was most recently Ford’s global battery electric vehicle (BEV) manager, distribution and digital experience.

Hart, 40, will report to Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Ford Asia Pacific.

“Kay is a proven leader, highly motivated by consumer insights and dealer relations,” Fleet says.

“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.”

During her time at the company Hart has also worked as advanced consumer experience marketing manager, helping develop the company’s app FordPass, and she was managing director for Ford Philippines.

Hart started her career in the marketing team at Ford New Zealand in 1998.

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

“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.”

Among her responsibilities, Hart will continue to lead the transformation of Ford’s business, including the work to revamp the consumer and dealer experience.

Whickman says Ford Australia and New Zealand is in a stronger position than it was a few years ago.

“The industry is undergoing rapid change, and I have confidence the local leadership teams have the right plans in place to be successful. They will continue to be held up in the global Ford world as great examples of what happens when good focused strategies are supported by committed and skilful employees and dealers.”