AUSTRALIAN designer Todd Willing has been appointed the global head of design for Ford and will lead design for Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles worldwide.

His automotive journey began in high school as part of a work experience program offered by Ford’s Australian design studio.

Described as a leader who grasps Ford’s unique history, recognises the forces of change, and can guide a team to create something new yet unequivocally Ford, Mr Willing started with the company in 2003 and previously held the position of global design director for Ford Model e.

Todd Willing

Mr Willing has played a pivotal role in shaping iconic Ford vehicles, working on products destined for markets around the world.

He has had assignments in Japan, Germany, Britain and the United States, and led the Ford Asia-Pacific design studio in Melbourne, Australia.

He was part of the design teams behind vehicles including the 2007 Ford Mondeo, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 2010 Ford Focus and was exterior chief designer on the 2017 Ford GT.

While serving as global design director for Ford Trucks and SUVs, Mr Willing led teams responsible for the F-150, Super Duty, Ranger, Bronco, Maverick, Explorer and Expedition vehicle lines.

Mr Willing earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from Monash University in Australia.

He is based in southeastern Michigan, where he lives with his wife and three children.

Mike Simcoe, an Australian who is a former Holden employee and is now head of global design for General Motors, lives nearby.