Managing director Lisa Brankin has taken on the additional role of chairing Ford’s UK operations, effective immediately.
Lisa succeeds Tim Slatter, promoted to a global US-based Ford role, as lead UK executive overseeing all facilities and investment, and continuing to run the Ford of Britain & Ireland sales and service company.
Ford’s Dunton and Halewood locations are at the forefront of developing and manufacturing electric powertrains for the blue oval’s car and van ranges. The Dagenham estate holds a strategic advantage on the Thames Estuary for the import and export of vehicles and components, including its engines to Turkey and other overseas customers.
With a total UK workforce numbering over 6,000 employees, Ford of Britain and Ireland’s other employees are at its Daventry Parts Distribution Centre, Northants; Smart Mobility Lab in Stratford, East London; Southampton Transport Operations; and British and Irish sales HQs in Dunton, Essex, and Cork.
“I look forward to building on Tim’s sterling efforts developing and promoting Ford’s UK talent and industrial footprint to attract further investment and growth momentum behind the all-electric future for the company, its employees and dealers,” said Lisa, who will continue to be based on Ford’s Dunton Campus.
Dunton is the global home of the Transit brand, and European lead location for the Ford Pro commercial vehicle business unit. Following the launch of the E-Transit last year, the medium E-Transit Custom and compact E-Transit Courier have been announced – also available as people-carrying Tourneo versions.
The new Ford Kuga plug-in electric vehicle is due next year, as well as the Ford Explorer and Ford Puma electric vehicles, followed by a medium sport crossover.
Lisa has been MD of the Ford of Britain & Ireland sales company since November 2020. Before she held a variety of UK director positions, including leading the Passenger Vehicle, Sales and Marketing areas. Lisa joined Ford in 1990 as a graduate trainee.
