Tuesday 12 March 2013

Greenwell to retire from Ford

Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell CBE has ‘elected’ to retire effective end of April 2013. Mark Ovenden, currently managing director, will add the chairman’s role to his responsibilities.

Chairman of Ford of Britain since 2009, Greenwell was also president of the automotive industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in 2009 and 2010.

Greenwell's career in the motor industry spans over 40 years.  


Greenwell began his career as a graduate trainee with Austin Morris and held a variety of senior roles in Jaguar, Ford of Europe and Ford North America before becoming chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars and Land Rover, and subsequently chairman of Ford of Britain, effective January 2009. Immediately prior to this he was vice president of government affairs, Ford of Europe. In recognition of his services to the automotive industry he received a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours list in 2011.

Ovenden said: “I look forward to the challenges ahead to ensure Ford maintains its leading position in the UK automotive industry. It has been a great pleasure working closely with Joe over the last 18 months and it is an honour to take on the role of chairman.  I wish Joe every success in his future endeavours.”

Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell, said: “Joe has worked tirelessly to maintain Ford’s leading position in UK industry. He has been a respected and highly influential figure for many years enjoying close working relationships with the SMMT, the CBI and the government while representing Ford on key issues such as the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK, skills, research and development, and the low-carbon agenda.”