Ford switches Mark Simpson to UK marketing director

by Alex Brownsell, Marketing 30-Sep-08, 09:51

LONDON - Mark Simpson, Ford of Europe's director of marketing communications, is to take over as Ford of Britain's marketing director.

His appointment follows the decision by current UK marketing director Mark Ovenden to take the position of marketing, sales and service director at the car brand's Russian operation. Simpson has been in his current role for four years, while Ovenden replaced Steve Hood as UK marketing director in early 2006.

Maureen Graham, brand manager for the Fiesta and Ka models in Europe, will replace Simpson in managing Ford's pan-European ad account and campaigns.

Simpson has overseen each of Ford's TV campaigns over the past few years, including the Fiesta 'Dogbot' and Focus 'Beautifully arranged' activity.

Most recently, Simpson gave the go-ahead to a major integrated campaign aiming its Fiesta model exclusively at women. The ads were created by Ogilvy and feature the strapline 'This is now'.

Meanwhile, Ford is set to unveil the latest version of its Ka model at the Paris Motor Show, which begins next week. The car will also make a cameo appearance in the upcoming James Bond movie.

Ford's UK sales of new cars were down by 2.5% for the year to August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.