|
Ford Performance Vehicles has today confirmed the appointment of Mr Sak
Ryopponen to the position of Managing Director effective, June 6, 2006.
Mr Ryopponen joins FPV with significant business credentials and a wealth of
experience in the automotive industry. He previously held the position of
Managing Director of Saab Australia and Regional Director of Saab (Asia Pacific
and Middle East), as well as serving a role in the Executive Leadership Team of
Saab in Sweden.
Most recently, Mr Ryopponen was Chairman of Vital Software, an innovative
supplier of Customer Relationship Management systems for the automotive
industry.
“I am very excited to take up the leadership of Ford Performance Vehicles,”
Ryopponen says.
“FPV has established itself as Australia's premier high-performance vehicle
company with excellent credentials for developing, manufacturing and marketing a
range of outstanding vehicles.
“I am looking forward to working with an enthusiastic team to build even
further on the success that FPV has generated so far.”
Mr Ryopponen, who immigrated to Australia from Finland as a child, studied at
Melbourne University before he commenced his automotive career with Ford
Australia in 1975 within the Ford Truck marketing operation. He has held senior
positions with Nissan and BMW in Australia and was the founding Managing
Director of Carsales.com.au Limited.
Prodrive, the majority stakeholder in the Ford Performance Vehicles joint
venture operation, is delighted to have Mr Ryopponen join FPV.
“Sak will be an excellent addition to our team and brings a wealth of
experience and skills to complement our business,” said Prodrive Chief Operating
Officer, Clive Scrivener..
“I am positive he will play an integral role in our future success.”
Tom Gorman, President of Ford Motor Company of Australia, also welcomed the
appointment of Mr Ryopponen as Managing Director of FPV.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Sak Ryopponen to the position of
Managing Director of Ford Performance Vehicles,” Mr Gorman said.
“FPV has certainly laid some very strong foundations in Australia, and I look
forward to working with Sak to continue the success of our premium performance
brand.”
|