FORD Motor Company has announced that former Ford Australia product development chief and most recent vice president of Ford Blue’s global ICE product programs, Trevor Worthington, will retire.

He has been in his current role since March 2022 and was promoted from vice president of global product development operations and vehicle programs, leading Ford’s global vehicle programs.

He was also responsible for coordinating Ford’s product development (PD) resources to bring new products to market and for driving competitive material costs and engineering expenses throughout the development cycle.

Mr Worthington has led major development and strategy work in Asia Pacific, including in China and Australia, and in North America. Most recently, he oversaw development of the all-new Super Duty and Ranger Raptor trucks and Bronco Raptor SUV.

In his 38 years with the car-maker, he was also vice president of product development for Asia Pacific, developing and introducing key nameplates to deliver on Ford’s aggressive plan to bring more than 50 new vehicles to China by 2025, including the Territory midsize SUV, Focus and Escort.

Mr Worthington also oversaw the investment of more than $A380 million in the Ford Research and Engineering Centre to strengthen and expand the company’s engineering and vehicle testing capabilities in Nanjing, China.

Ford said he also served as vehicle line director for Asia Pacific, playing a key role in delivering the first wave of global products for Asia Pacific markets along with developing the capability of Ford’s product development organisation in Asia, and as head of the Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa product planning and strategy operation.

From 2008 to 2019, Mr Worthington helped deliver the first wave of Ford’s global products to Asia Pacific. He also led strategic development and introduction of key nameplates in China and elsewhere, including the popular Territory midsize SUV.

“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to work for Ford,” said Mr Worthington.

“It’s been a privilege – there’s a legacy of people I’ve worked with and mentored all over the world that I’m really proud of.”

Ford said in a statement that since joining the company in 1985, Mr Worthington has held various positions in product development and product strategy.

“Among other company assignments, he led product development in Australia for six years, delivering key products for the local market as well as the game-changing Ford Figo for India and the early development of the award-winning Ford Ranger pick-up truck,” the company said.

“He has extensive experience in the critical product development areas of quality, planning and strategy, engineering and vehicle verification.”

Mr Worthington, born in 1963, grew up in Benalla in regional Victoria and obtained a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

He also holds an MBA in International Business from Melbourne’s Monash Mt. Eliza Business School.

A racing fan who grew up watching Ford Falcons on tracks in Australia, he also led product development for Ford Performance.

He played an important role in orchestrating a strategy and cycle plan for Ford Performance Racing, which includes a return to Formula 1 with Red Bull Racing, and a return to Le Mans with the Mustang GT3.

Ford’s vice president of product development operations and quality, Jim Baumbick, said: “Trevor has always had a keen and evolving sense of what customers want – and, more importantly, what they don’t know that they want in a vehicle.”

“But what really set Trevor apart was his leadership. His ability to inspire and develop employees throughout his career has played an important role in keeping Ford at the front of the pack with an iconic, winning portfolio of products.”

Mr Worthington plans to retire back home in Melbourne, not far from where he started his career. His successor will be the subject of a future announcement.

By Neil Dowling