Ford Motor Company today announced that Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India has elected to retire effective December 31, 2012 after a successful career spanning over 27 years with Ford Motor Company. Michael will be succeeded by Joginder Singh as the president and managing director, Ford India, effective December 1, 2012. Singh will be based at Ford’s India corporate office in Delhi, and report directly to Joe Hinrichs president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.
Boneham, who commenced his career in Human Resource in Ford Australia, has worked in manufacturing and general management roles in Europe, North America and APA. In India, he started as the executive director, Manufacturing of Ford’s facility in Chennai, before moving on to lead the organization as president and managing director, Ford India.
“Michael’s contributions to our business in Asia has been significant, specifically his leadership of the India market. Building the foundation blocks of Ford’s transition to a mass player, leading the launch of the game-changing Ford Figo and his role in securing the US$ 1 billion investment for our second new integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand helped us significantly transform our operations in India,” said Joe Hinrichs. “His strategic direction over the past few years has better positioned our India operations for continued future success. We truly appreciate Michael’s contribution to Ford Motor Company and wish him and his family all the very best!”
Singh will take over Boneham’s responsibilities of managing and growing the integrated manufacturing operation of Ford India. Singh in his new role will also lead the charge of product programs of bringing in 8 new products by mid-decade and oversee the successful implementation of Ford’s expansion plans in India, through its operations in Chennai and its second upcoming facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
“Joginder’s proven leadership will be critical to driving the successful and ongoing expansion of our India operation. His wealth of experience and understanding of the Ford brand globally and local market expertise will be invaluable in helping Ford to continue its growth momentum. With 60-70 per cent of the growth expected to come from APA for Ford Motor Company, India will be play a critical role in driving that growth,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president and president, Asia Pacific and Africa.
Singh is currently president & managing director, Ford Business Services Center, Ford Motor Company, responsible for Ford’s Global Business Services operations headquartered in Chennai, India, a role he has served in since October 2008 wherein he accomplished major structural cost efficiencies, expanded the business services portfolio substantially and launched new sites across Coimbatore and Delhi. David Dubensky is appointed Executive Director, Global Business Services taking over Joginder Singh’s present responsibilities, effective November 1, 2012.
Singh joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 in finance function in Ford of Europe and has served in Ford’s operations globally in various finance, treasury, strategy, and general management roles – in Europe, United States and Canada, and has been located in India since 2008.
