Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a subsidiary of the American automotive giant Ford Motor Co, is set for a major change in its top management with the retirement of Michael Boneham.
After serving the company for more than 27 years, Boneham, current President and Managing Director, Ford India, has decided to hang up his shoes by December 2012. As of now, Joginder Singh, Head, Business Services Centre of Ford Motor Co., has been revealed as the successor to Boneham.
FIPL affirmed the latest development in a statement, which said, "Boneham has elected to retire effective December 31, 2012 after a successful career spanning over 27 years with Ford Motor Company."
Expressing his views on the course of Ford India under Boneham's leadership, Joe Hinrichs, President, said, "Michael's contribution 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 game-changing Ford Figo and his role in securing the USD 1 billion investment for our second new integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand (Gujarat)." At present, Boneham reports directly to Joe Hinrichs.
Michael Boneham started out in Human Resource Department (HRD) with Ford Australia, subsidiary of the Ford Motor Co., before switching to the European, APA and North American markets. According to FIPL, Boneham who served as head of the global automotive conglomerate's Indian division since June 2008, has an enormous experience of working in manufacturing and general management roles. Further, the current CEO of FIPL started his career in India as Executive Director of Manufacturing at the company's Maraimalai Nagar production facility near Chennai.
Joginder Singh, the next in-line to fill-in Boneham's shoes, commenced his career with Europe division of Ford Europe in 1980. Additionally, Singh will be handed over Boneham's liabilities of growing and managing all the manufacturing operations of Ford India.
Regarding the appointment of Singh as Boneham's successor, in a statement FIPL said, "Singh in his new role will also lead the charge of product programmes of bringing in eight 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 Gujarat."
Further, Hinrichs had few things to add on Singh, "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".
FIPL also revealed in statement, David Dubensky to become the successor to Joginder Singh. Dubensky has been commissioned as the Executive Director, Global Business Services, FIPL and is slated to be handed over the command from Singh, to be effective from November 1, 2012.
Michael's departure is expected to be greatly felt by the company as it was he who is regarded as brains behind the successful implementation of Ford Motor Co’s aggressive strategic expansion initiatives in the country. Further, in order to support local and export requirements of the company, Boneham set up a new engine assembling plant, thereby increasing the annual production yield by two folds, besides taking care of the successful introduction of new Ford vehicles on the Indian turf.
