Ford has named Dianne Craig to be the new CEO for Ford in the Canadian market, replacing David Mondragon — who has served since August of 2008. Despite the change-up, Ford hopes to continue its two year run as a sales leader in Canada.
Craig will leave her position as general manager of the Southeast Region where she oversaw 520 Ford and Lincoln dealerships. The Southeast region encompasses North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Craig originally joined the company in an entry level sales position and has worked her way up the corporate ladder. She has helped facilitate National Dealer Meetings and day-to-day dealer relations.
The Motrolix Take
The question is will someone with extensive American dealership experience be a good fit for the Canadian market. Craig was born in Buffalo, New York which may help better prepare her for the demands of Canada. Her predecessor, David Mondragon, was an American citizen and was able to increase sales, so it will be interesting to see how a new CEO will affect growth in the Canadian Market.
[expand]OAKVILLE, Ontario, Oct. 25, 2011 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited today announced the appointment of Dianne Craig as president and CEO, effective Nov. 1, as the company readies to mark its second straight year as the auto sales leader in Canada. Craig replaces David Mondragon, who has served as president and CEO since August 2008.
“Dave’s contributions to Ford of Canada during the last three years have been significant. He led the team through one of the most tumultuous times in the industry and successfully grew the business, bringing new customers to Ford,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This positive marketplace momentum will continue to build as Dianne shares her extensive dealer relations skills, sales background and marketing expertise with the Ford of Canada team.”
Craig was the general manager for the Southeast Market Area in the U.S., a position she assumed in March 2009. In this role, she was responsible for all marketing, sales and service operations for 520 Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
Craig joined the company in 1986 in an entry-level field position and has held a variety of sales and marketing positions including advertising, product marketing, contests and incentives and field operations.
She has also led the company’s Ford and Lincoln Mercury U.S. dealer relations efforts. In this capacity, she directed the National Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealer Council process and other related dealer activities including National Dealer Meetings.
Craig was born in Buffalo, New York. She graduated from the State University of New York and holds a master’s of Business Administration from Ohio State University.
[/expand]
No Comments yet