Biography: Marin Burela

Marin Burela was appointed president of Ford Motor Company’s China joint venture, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., on Nov. 1, 2010. He reports to Joe Hinrichs, president, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

Prior to this, Burela served as president and CEO of Ford Australia. During this time, he was responsible for driving the success of Ford Australia operations, while continuing the integration and execution of the One Ford plan.

Burela began his career with Ford in 1984 after completing Ford Australia’s engineering graduate program. He has served in a variety of positions in Manufacturing, Sales and Marketing, and Product Development.

In 2004, Burela joined Ford of Europe to lead the development of Ford’s Global Small Car product portfolio, including the new global Ford Fiesta. Burela held the position of Vehicle Line executive director, Global Small Car Segment Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

In addition to his roles at Ford, Burela has held senior management positions at Jaguar and Land Rover. At Land Rover, he was responsible for the group’s manufacturing operations, and was appointed to the Board of Land Rover in 2000. Burela also was appointed to the Board of Jaguar and Land Rover in 2002 before re-joining Ford of Europe in 2004.

Burela is a native of Geelong, Australia.