Ford India and Renault India, whose plants are near Chennai, have announced new CEOs, effective February 1.
Nigel Harris, Vice-President — Sales and Service, Ford Asia Pacific, will take over as President of Ford India. He succeeds Joginder Singh, who has been assigned a new role of Director, Corporate Strategy, Ford Motor Company. Singh will join his new assignment on March 1.
At Renault India, Sumit Sawhney, Executive Director, takes over as Country CEO and Managing Director, succeeding Marc Nassif, who moves to a global assignment within the group.
Harris joins Ford India at a time when it is all set to unveil a new car on the eve of the Auto Expo in Delhi next month. Ford India’s second manufacturing plant at Sanand in Gujarat is also getting ready. The new car will roll out of the Sanand plant.
Harris began his career in Ford in 1985 in New Zealand as a fleet sales analyst and has held different positions in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific. He also has been associated with the Indian operations when he served as the brand development manager for global B cars during Ford’s entry into the Indian market, almost 15 years ago.
Sawhney joined Renault India as Executive Director in September 2012 from General Motors. He has nearly 20 years experience in the Indian automotive industry.