Ford Australia’s Tim Wels has been named the new managing director of the Blue Oval’s Philippine offices. Wels succeeds the outgoing Pedro Simoes, who took up the mantle in September 2024.
Simoes will be heading back to the Middle East, while Wels is scheduled to lead Ford Philippines starting November 1, 2026. He brings almost 20 years of experience, beginning his career with Ford in 2008. During his tenure, he has worked in retail, product and brand marketing, customer experience, and business strategy, giving him a holistic understanding of the automotive industry.
As managing director, Wels will prioritize Ford’s market growth, ownership and aftersales experiences, and stronger relationships with dealer partners. He will also be reporting directly to Andrew Birkic, vice president of sales and service of Ford International Markets Group.
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As he prepares to relocate to Manila, Wels expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “I am excited to be joining our talented team in the Philippines.
“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 30th anniversary in 2027 with an exciting vehicle lineup and enhanced ownership offerings for Filipino customers.”
Wels enters Ford Philippines at an interesting time. As of June 2026, the American carmaker solidified its place as the fourth-best-selling brand in the Philippines. A couple of months after, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak-X and the Everest Platinum were released, following the Territory Platinum. And with the company’s 30th anniversary coming up, it looks like Wels will have a lot on his plate.
