Ford’s managing director Lisa Brankin has taken on the additional role of chairing its UK operations.

She succeeds Tim Slatter who has been promoted to a global US-based Ford role as lead UK executive overseeing all facilities and investment and continuing to run the UK and Irish sales and services business.

“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 Brankin, who will continue to be based on Ford’s Dunton Campus.

Ford’s Dunton and Halewood centres develop and manufacture electric powertrains for its car and van ranges. The Dagenham estate is strategically sited on the Thames Estuary for the import and export of vehicles and components, including engines to Turkey and other overseas customers.

Dunton is also 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.