Matt VanDyke has been tapped as Chief Executive Officer of FordDirect, effective Feb. 1, 2021.
FordDirect is a joint venture between the Ford Motor Company and its franchise dealers. The company announced the appointment in January, noting that VanDyke has more than 12 years of experience in leading Ford and Lincoln brand positioning around the globe.
“His passion for the digital auto retailing business is clear. His experience around the world shepherding the Ford and Lincoln brands, along with his knowledge of FordDirect following two terms as a board member, will serve him well as CEO,” said Mike Pallotta, President of Pallotta Ford Lincoln in Wooster, Ohio.
The expectation is that VanDyke will continue the positive momentum FordDirect has made in its digital transformation. Pallotta said the Board’s mission is to help Ford and Lincoln dealers sell and service more cars and trucks. “Matt is the best person to lead this team in continuing that work,” he said.
VanDyke most recently held the position of Director of Marketing for Ford Motor Company. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Marketing for Ford of Europe, where he oversaw the Fiesta and Focus vehicle launches. He also led the piloting of several digital and retail consumer experiences, the rollout of new Ford websites, and the development and introduction of e-commerce solutions. VanDyke also served on the FordDirect Board for over five years.
“I know the power of the Ford and Lincoln brands, and it is no secret that our Ford and Lincoln dealers across the country are crucial in connecting those brands with interested consumers,” said VanDyke. “It is an honour to work with the FordDirect team to continue building our dealer relationships with the outstanding digital connections we can provide.
