Michael Boneham, who currently heads the Indian subsidiary of Ford as the President & Managing Director has elected to retire after serving 27 years with Ford. Mr. Boneham started out with Ford Australia with HR and has since moved to manufacturing and general management roles in Europe, North America and APA. His recent responsibilities include introduction of eight new Ford products for India by middle of this decade. His role involved the launch of these new vehicles in India and significant capacity expansion to support the growth plans, including setting up of a new integrated manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat, comprising of Vehicle Operations and an Engine plant to meet local and export requirements. Boneham was also responsible for increasing the footprint of the company’s dealer sales and service networks.
Mr. Boneham has often taken time out to express his appreciation for the stories on Riot Engine. This correspondent remembers a very enlightening conversation with Mr. Boneham, after he had read our tribute to Caroll Shelby.
Boneham was also a member of the Executive Committee for the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and as a National Council Member for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). He is a former Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in India.
“Michael’s contributions 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 the game-changing Ford Figo and his role in securing the US$ 1 billion investment for our second new integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand helped us significantly transform our operations in India,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president and president, Asia Pacific and Africa. “His strategic direction over the past few years has better positioned our India operations for continued future success. We truly appreciate Michael’s contribution to Ford Motor Company and wish him and his family all the very best!”
Jogindher Singh, who is currently president & managing director, Ford Business Services Center, Ford Motor Company, is responsible for Ford’s Global Business Services operations headquartered in Chennai, India. He has served in this role since October 2008 and has accomplished major structural cost efficiencies, expanded the business services portfolio substantially and launched new sites across Coimbatore and Delhi.
“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. With 60-70 per cent of the growth expected to come from APA for Ford Motor Company, India will be play a critical role in driving that growth,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president and president, Asia Pacific and Africa.
Singh joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 in finance function in Ford of Europe and has served in Ford’s operations globally in various finance, treasury, strategy, and general management roles — in Europe, United States and Canada, and has been located in India since 2008.