Ford of Britain will appoint Roelant de Waard as its new chairman and managing director on February 1.

He replaces Paul Thomas who will become the vice-president of Ford of Europe.

Born in the Netherlands, de Waard previously headed Ford of Europe's customer service division (FCSD).

In his new position he assumes the responsibilities of chairman, Ford of Britain which were previously held by Roger Putnam, who retired at the end of 2005. De Waard will be based at the Ford of Britain headquarters in Brentwood, Essex.