FORD of Europe has appointed former BYD Europe managing director Maria Grazia Davino as its vice president of sales, effective October 1. 

She will be responsible for leading sales across Europe and overseeing all commercial operations, including retail, dealer network and distribution, reporting directly to Ford of Europe president Jim Baumbick. 

Maria Grazia Davino, Ford of Europe vice president of sales

Mr Baumbick, who took over his current position in October 2025, said: “Maria Grazia is a highly accomplished leader with deep expertise across the European automotive landscape.

“Her track record of building high-performing teams and building strong customer and dealer relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business in Europe.” 

Ms Davino arrives at Ford with over 20 years of automotive industry experience, specialising in sales, marketing and business transformation.  

She was most recently BYD Europe’s regional managing director, leading operations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Nordic countries.  

Prior to joining BYD, Ms Davino spent more than a decade in senior leadership roles at Stellantis, most recently as group managing director and CEO for Stellantis UK.   

Earlier in her Stellantis career, she held leadership positions responsible for European sales and marketing and running the businesses in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and the UK.   

She began her career at Automobili Lamborghini in 2003. 

Ms Davino will also be tasked with helping Ford launch five new models in Europe by 2030, which will include a Ford Bronco derivative, two new BEVs based on Renault’s Ampere platform, an electrified SUV shared with Geely and and an as-yet unknown fifth vehicle. 

Her arrival coincides with Ford and Geely’s announcement of a joint venture to build Geely cars at Ford’s under-utilised factory in Spain. Ford will own 66 per cent of the new company and Geely Auto will own 34 per cent.