Ford of Britain’s managing director Andy Barratt has opted for retirement less than a month after the carmaker announced he was taking a temporary leave of absence.
In an announcement today Ford said Lisa Brankin, who became acting managing director on October 1 as Barratt’s sudden leave was announced, will become the Essex-based national sales company’s permanent head as of November 1.
Barratt posted his own statement on LinkedIn that he was “retiring from Ford but not work – and simply cannot wait to start the next challenge”.
The Ford veteran added that he was leaving the most capable, dynamic, inspiring and loyal team that he has ever worked with.
“The Ford of Britain national sales company is just fantastic, and I am immensely proud of every single team member,” he added.
“Over the years we have stood shoulder to shoulder with the worlds best dealer body – through the good and difficult times – and it’s been an immense honour to work alongside such an entrepreneurial group of people. The past 40 years has been a true privilege.”
Brankin (pictured) joined Ford in 1990 as a graduate trainee and has held various roles in sales, marketing and communications, and was director of dealer operations during the rollout of the FordStore and Transit Centre programmes, which consolidated the extensive Ford dealer network.
Since 2015 she’d been marketing director, sales director and most recently director of passenger vehicles.
“Lisa has shown great leadership over many years in her senior roles in the Ford of Britain team and is the right person to take the business forward in our largest market in Europe,” said Ford of Europe’s Roelant de Waard, vice president, marketing, sales and service and general manager, passenger vehicles.
“At the same time, we thank Andy for his many years of service and contributions to Ford.”
Anthony Ireson, director of Ford’s customer service division, becomes director of passenger vehicles, and Sarah Brettle takes Ireson’s old position.