Ovenden, previously Ford of Britain marketing director, left the UK operation in 2008 to head the manufacturer’s marketing in Russia, before becoming managing director and president of Ford Russia. He was replaced as lead UK marketer by Mark Simpson, who remains in his role.
Since 2006, Ovenden has occupied a number of marketing and managerial positions at Ford. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the UK business. He takes over from previous managing director Nigel Sharp, who is retiring.
Roelant de Waard, vice-president of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe, said: "Since [joining Ford Russia], [Ovenden] has presided over a period of rapid business growth. His wealth of experience makes him ideally placed to manage Ford's biggest European market."
In his past marketing roles, Ovenden, a one-time regular in Marketing's 'Power 100' list, oversaw an increase in Ford's use of digital activity to promote its models.
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