OAKVILLE, Ont., Jan. 17, 2019 – Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, has announced that veteran Ford executive Dean Stoneley, who began his career with Ford of Canada in 1992, is returning to serve as president and CEO, replacing Mark Buzzell. His appointment is effective Feb. 1.

“Mark’s leadership has been fundamental to the continued success of Ford in Canada,” said Kumar Galhotra, president, Ford North America. “I look forward to working together in his new leadership role with our fleet, lease and remarketing operations. Dean brings with him a wealth of global experience as he returns to lead Ford of Canada through a transformative time in our industry.”

In his new role, Stoneley will lead Ford of Canada's operations across the country, including a national headquarters, three regional offices, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, two research and development sites, and three connectivity and innovation centres.

Ford employs approximately 8,000 people in Canada, while an additional 18,000 employees work in more than 400 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country.

During his 27 years with Ford, Stoneley has held a variety of global leadership roles including those in sales, marketing and service in Canada, the U.S., South Africa, South Korea, Japan and China.

“As a Canadian who started my career at Ford of Canada, I’m excited to come home to lead this successful team,” said Stoneley. “Together with our strong network of dealers, we’ll continue to focus on what the Canadian consumer values, which are great products and industry-leading customer experiences.”

Currently, Stoneley is vice president and director of marketing for Changan Ford’s National Dealer Sales Distribution joint venture in China. Stoneley has previously served as vice president marketing and vice president sales for Ford Asia Pacific region based in Shanghai, China.

Under outgoing president Buzzell’s tenure, Ford retained its position as the top-selling automotive brand in the country for the 10th consecutive year, became the best-selling SUV brand in Canada, and secured investments of $1.2 billion in its Canadian operations, which included opening three new connectivity and innovation centres in Ontario.

Buzzell now will serve as director of North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations, Ford Motor Company.