Brankin became Ford UK MD in 2020 and chair in 2023
Ford has pivoted more than any other manufacturer in the UK market over the past few years. The American brand has moved from a heavy dependence on the everchanging passenger cars market and towards an even bigger share of the commercial vehicle sector – and all while grappling with the shift to electrification and the loss of two key models, the Fiesta and Focus.
Overseeing these challenging transitions is Lisa Brankin. The Northern Irishwoman was named managing director of Ford of Britain and Ireland in 2020, before also taking on the top role as Ford UK chair in 2023. Brankin’s elevation is especially noteworthy because it began when she joined the firm as a graduate, more than 30 years ago.