FORD Motor Company managing director of Ford New Zealand Annaliese Atina has been appointed managing director of Ford Vietnam, effective December 1, 2026. 

She will relocate to Hanoi to take up the new position, reporting directly to Ford International Markets Group (FIMG) vice president of sales and service Andrew Birkic.  

Annaliese Atina

Ms Atina joined Ford New Zealand as managing director and executive director in 2024.

Prior to Ford she held senior leadership roles with Vodafone New Zealand and Coca-Cola Amatil, leading large-scale customer sales and commercial businesses. 

Alongside her executive career, she has held governance roles across technology and education and is the founder and head coach of the Ambition Collective, supporting the development of future leaders. 

Ford NZ said that during her tenure, she led initiatives to strengthen customer experience, dealer performance and commercial growth, while developing new revenue opportunities and guiding the business through regulatory change and evolving customer expectations. 

“Annaliese has been an outstanding leader for Ford New Zealand,” said Mr Birkic. 

“Her commercial leadership and genuine focus on customers and dealers have strengthened our business here, and that same energy and capability will now benefit Ford Vietnam as it builds on its recent momentum. 

“On behalf of Ford, I want to thank her for everything she has achieved with the New Zealand team.” 

Ms Atina is an experienced senior executive, with more than 20 years leadership experience across automotive, FMCG, telecommunications, and technology. 

She brings a strong combination of commercial leadership, strategic thinking and stakeholder management, with a proven track record of leading businesses through growth and transformation. 

“It has been a privilege to lead Ford New Zealand over the past two years,” said Ms Atina. 

“I am incredibly proud of what the team has achieved together in strengthening our customer experience, supporting our dealers and driving commercial growth. 

“While I’m excited for this new opportunity with Ford Vietnam, I’ll be taking with me some great memories and lessons from working alongside such a talented team here in New Zealand.” 

Ford will announce arrangements for the leadership of Ford New Zealand in due course.