Ford PH’s new Managing Director is Tim Wels, effective November 1

The Ford Motor Company is undergoing an executive reshuffle once again as it has announced that Tim Wels will be succeeding Pedro Simoes as the Managing Director of Ford Philippines, effective November 1, 2026.

Wels is currently the General Manager for Marketing and Strategy of Ford Australia, and has been with that division since he joined in 2008. Since then, his nearly two decades of experience across multiple divisions like retail, product, and brand marketing, new vehicle launches, customer experience, marketing communications, and business strategy make him the perfect person to lead Ford Philippines.

He will relocate to Manila and will be reporting directly to Andrew Birkic, the Vice President of Sales and Service of Ford International Markets Group.

“I am excited to be joining our talented team in the Philippines,” said Wels. “I look forward to working with our passionate group of employees, dealers, and partners who have all been instrumental to the success of Ford Philippines, especially as it approaches its 30^th anniversary in 2027 with an exciting vehicle line-up and enhanced ownership offerings for Filipino customers.” 

As for Simoes, he will be repatriating to the Middle East. His one-year stint was very fruitful, with landmark events such as launching the refreshed Ranger and Everest lineup with new engines, the Territory Hybrid Platinum, the launch of the Ford Parts Distribution Center and Learning Center, and improving relationships with dealer partners to understand how to help them serve customers better.

^{Photo from Julian Panlilio/Ford}