Lyle Watters, a key figure in Ford Motor Company’s global leadership, will retire on September 30, capping a distinguished 37-year career. Currently serving as vice president and general manager of Passenger Vehicles for Ford China, Watters’ retirement marks the end of an era for a leader who has significantly shaped the company’s operations across multiple continents.
Watters began his journey with Ford in 1987 as part of the Ford of Britain finance team, eventually taking on leadership roles in every global region where Ford operates. His nearly four decades of service have seen him drive pivotal business advancements, particularly in expanding Ford’s market appeal and enhancing the customer experience for Chinese consumers. He played a crucial role in the strategic restructuring of Ford’s South American business, leading the company through economic challenges by reallocating capital and overhauling operations in the region.
“Lyle has had an incredible career over more than three and a half decades,” said Sam Wu, president of 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.”
In his most recent role, Watters oversaw Ford-branded vehicles in China, including leadership of the Changan Ford joint venture, Jiangling Ford Technologies, and overall Ford China operations. His responsibilities encompassed supply chain management, manufacturing, new model launches, and quality assurance.
Before his tenure in China, Watters served as president of Ford South America & International Markets Group. His leadership in South America included stints as both president and chief financial officer, during which he navigated the company through economic turbulence.
Watters also held significant roles in Ford of Europe, serving as chief financial officer, director of business strategy, and treasurer. He was a board member for Ford Otosan and Ford Sollers and held financial leadership roles within Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, which included luxury brands Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin Lagonda, and Volvo Cars.
As he prepares to return to the United Kingdom, where his illustrious career began, Ford has announced that Watters’ responsibilities will be realigned within the China business.
