Obituary: Nigel Harris
Nigel Harris, a former managing director of Ford New Zealand, has passed away at the age of 62.
A funeral service and celebration of Harris’ life is taking place at Legacy Tauranga in Pyes Pa Road, Tauranga, on August 30 at 11am. To be live-streamed, it follows his death on August 24. A private cremation will follow.
“Nigel passed away peacefully at home in Mount Maunganui,” a statement from his family reads. “Dearly loved husband of Jacqui, and treasured dad of Caitlin and Dean and Taylor. Much-loved younger brother of Pene, Tony and Paul.
“Nigel’s family would like to thank the team at Waipuna Hospice for their amazing care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations to Waipuna Hospice would be appreciated.” This can be done online at www.waipunahospice.org.nz/donate/.
Harris, pictured, worked for the Ford Motor Company for 34 years. He started with Ford NZ in 1985 as a fleet-sales analyst.
Nine years later, he became managing director of Ford Hellas, establishing a national sales company in Greece before joining Ford’s UK headquarters in Essex to oversee the global development of the blue oval’s small models.
Harris came back to New Zealand in 1999 as head of sales and marketing before being promoted to managing director the following year.
In 2002, Harris was appointed head of marketing, sales and service for Ford and Mazda in South Africa. He was then general sales manager for the Changan Ford joint venture and Ford China’s vice-president of marketing, sales and service.
That was from 2007 until 2012. Afterwards, he became vice-president of sales, service and distribution for Ford Asia-Pacific based in Shanghai.
In 2014, Harris was appointed president of Ford India before, in 2016, returning to the Changan Ford joint venture in Chongqing as its president and chief executive.
Harris retired in 2019 after 34 years with the company. At the time, Ford president and chief executive officer, Jim Hackett, said: “Nigel is a highly seasoned executive who has motivated our people around the globe, and has been a valuable asset to this company.
“He has had an accomplished career at Ford, including key leadership positions in China, Europe, India and Asia-Pacific. We appreciate his significant contributions.”
