{"id":355480,"date":"2025-12-18T06:01:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T06:01:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/355480\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T06:01:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T06:01:15","slug":"supercars-news-key-leadership-changes-at-ford-and-toyota-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/355480\/","title":{"rendered":"Supercars news: Key leadership changes at Ford and Toyota in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Key
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFrom left: Triple Eight manager Mark Dutton, co-owner Earl Evans, Ford Australia CEO Andrew Birkic and motorsport engineering lead Brendan McGinniskin<\/p>\n

Ford Australia has today named Fadi Mawal as its new President and CEO, set to take the reins from Andrew Birkic.<\/p>\n

Birkic will transition to the role of Vice President, Sales and Service, Ford International Markets Group following a five-year stint leading Ford Australia.<\/p>\n

That period has included significant investment from Ford in Australian motorsport, including the establishment of a small in-house department for its racing efforts in 2022.<\/p>\n

Mawal is a 31-year Ford veteran having joined the company in the early 1990s as a forklift driver.<\/p>\n

His most recent role has been as Chief Financial Officer, Ford International Markets Group, based in Bangkok.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Fadi Mawal. Image: Supplied<\/p>\n

\u201cI am thrilled to welcome Fadi to the role of President and CEO, Australia and New Zealand,\u201d said Jeff Marentic, President of Ford International Markets Group.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis breadth of experience in leadership roles across the business positions him exceptionally well for this new challenge.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also want to acknowledge Andrew in his new expanded role and look forward to collaborating with both of them to drive strong results for Australia and the region.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Ford is heavily represented in the Supercars Championship and will launch its one-make Mustang Cup in Australia next year.<\/p>\n

Its local GT efforts are set to be headlined by an attack on the Bathurst 12 Hour, while other engagements include the Finke Desert Race.<\/p>\n

Toyota Australia meanwhile recently announced a sideways move for Sean Hanley, who has been the driving force behind the marque\u2019s long-awaited move into Supercars.<\/p>\n

\"Sean<\/p>\n

Sean Hanley (right), Toyota Australia vice president sales, marketing and franchise operations, speaks to media.<\/p>\n

Hanley, currently Vice President National Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, will become a Senior Executive Advisor.<\/p>\n

He will remain director and Board Member of Revolution Software Services in a part-time capacity.<\/p>\n

Hanley is also expected to continue to front the Supercars entry, which will involve five Supras tackling the 2026 championship through Walkinshaw Andretti United and Brad Jones Racing.<\/p>\n

Toyota\u2019s Australian motorsport involvement also includes the one-make GR Cup and Scholarship Series, as well as a Neal Bates-run Australian Rally Championship campaign.<\/p>\n


\"\"\/
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