Ford Leadership Changes: New President For Automaker’s Chinese Joint Venture

Ford Motor Company (F) has announced that Steven Armstrong has been appointed to the position of president of Changan Ford. Changan Ford is the automaker’s joint venture in China, where Armstrong will report to Anning Chen, Ford China president and CEO.

Armstrong will succeed Nigel Harris, who is retiring from the company at the end of 2019 after 34 years of service. Armstrong will step into his new role at Changan Ford on Oct. 1. He was previously chairman of Ford’s European business.

In his new position, Armstrong will leverage his 30 years of automotive and leadership experience. He has served in a number of roles at Ford, including general management and purchasing positions globally as well as president and chairman of Ford of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, president of Ford South America, and chief operating officer of Getrag-Ford Transmissions. He has also held 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,” Jim Hackett, president and CEO at Ford said. “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 will work with Armstrong during the transition period, advising Changan Ford while supporting Ford’s China 2.0 Plan until he departs the company.

“Nigel is a highly seasoned executive who has motivated our people around the globe, and has been a valuable asset to this company,” Hackett said. “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.”

Armstrong is a native of the U.K. and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration for the University of East London.

Shares of Ford stock were up 0.77 percent as of 9:45 a.m. ET on Thursday.