Automotive News South Africa

Ford appoints new CEO for SA

Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of Jeffery Nemeth as president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA), effective 1 January 2010. Nemeth is currently president of Ford Lio Ho (Taiwan).

Nemeth will replace FMCSA's current president and CEO, Hal Feder, and will oversee Ford's entire business operations in South Africa with responsibility for growing the Ford, Mazda and Volvo brands.

He will also be responsible for directing day-to-day operations of Ford's manufacturing sites in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria, as well as working with key partners in government, media, suppliers and the union.

Extensive experience

“Jeff's experience and expertise in corporate strategy and success in strengthening the Ford brand in Taiwan will be a great asset in driving the continued transformation of our South Africa operations into a global production and export hub,” said John Parker, executive vice president, APA.

Nemeth has extensive experience in both Asia and North America, having served in senior leadership roles in Management, Finance and Customer Service for Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit and Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan since joining Ford in 1995.

In his current position as president of Ford Lio Ho, Nemeth has lead a successful restructuring to strengthen the company's competitive position in Taiwan and to operate profitably at the market's current level of demand and changing model mix.

Nemeth earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame, US.

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