Lyle Watters, China Passenger Vehicles General Manager, to Retire After 37 Years

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 12, 2024 - Lyle Watters, a global Ford leader who is serving currently as vice president and general manager, Passenger Vehicles, Ford China, is retiring from the company effective Sept. 30.

Watters, a corporate officer, joined Ford in 1987 as part of the Ford of Britain finance team and went on to hold roles in every region globally. His efforts over nearly four decades have driven key business advancements including the broadening of Ford's appeal and enhancement of customer experience with must-have products and services for China consumers. He also led the strategic restructuring of the company's business in South America during an economically challenging time reallocating capital from the loss-making region and restructuring the operations.

"Lyle has had an incredible career over more than three and a half decades," said Sam Wu, president Ford China. "His contributions to Ford Motor Company over this time have been immense and I am personally grateful to Lyle for his support and wise counsel since I joined the Company two years ago."

Most recently, Watters was responsible for Ford-branded vehicles in China, including leading the Changan Ford joint venture, Jiangling Ford Technologies, and Ford China operations including supply chain, manufacturing, new model launches, and quality.

Before his roles in China, Watters served as president, South America & International Markets Group. His leadership in South America also included tours as president and separately as chief financial officer.

During his career, Watters held several leadership positions in Ford of Europe including serving as chief financial officer, director of business strategy, treasurer, a member of the Ford Otosan and Ford Sollers boards of directors. He also held several financial leadership roles within Ford's Premier Automotive Group, which included Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin Lagonda and Volvo Cars.

His early days at Ford included roles in both automotive and financial services in North America.

Watters plans to return to the U.K. where he started his career. His responsibilities will be re-aligned within the China business.