Ford of Europe Chairman to Head China JV

Ford Motor Co. has named Ford of Europe Chairman Steven Armstrong as president of the company’s joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. in China, effective Oct. 1.

Armstrong (pictured) succeeds Nigel Harris, who is retiring after a 34-year career with Ford. Harris, who has headed Changan Ford for three years, previously held executive roles at Ford’s operations elsewhere in Asia-Pacific, Europe and India.

A native of Britain, Armstrong has helmed Ford’s European operations since April. He previously headed the company’s South American unit and has held several other senior executive positions with the carmaker, including stints with Jaguar and Volvo when both companies were owned by Ford.

Armstrong's duties in Europe will be split among several people, including Ford of Europe President Stuart Rowley.