Simon Rutherford says bye-bye to Blue.

AN ARCHITECT of the strategy that delivered the Ford Ranger as the country’s best selling one-tonne ute and, in some years, as the country’s top-selling new passenger model for the past decade has departed the Blue Oval.

Simon Rutherford has been named as the chief executive of Auto Distributors New Zealand (ADNZ).

This is the import and distribution group within the Armstrong Group, set up by Christchurch auto entrepreneur Rick Armstrong, father of Indycar racer Marcus Armstrong.

In commenting on the appointment, Armstrong’s Group chief executive Troy Kennedy said: “We are delighted to have someone of Simon’s calibre join the group at this critical time.

“Simon is a hugely experienced automotive executive, bringing significant global and local knowledge and proven strengths in distribution, retail, operations, strategy, sales, marketing and customer experience.

“Simon is well respected within the New Zealand automotive industry and was president of the Motor Industry Association from 2022 to 2024.”

Rutherford will have oversight of all ADNZ brands - which include Peugeot, Citroen Opel and most latterly, the LeapMotor and Smart marques.

“This appointment further strengthens the Armstrong leadership team as we look to build on our success, by helping more New Zealanders get behind the wheel of their dream car,” Kennedy said.

Rutherford said he was excited to be given the opportunity to

lead the ADNZ team at a time of considerable transition, disruption and opportunity in the motor industry.

“I intend to build strong, collaborative and enduring relationships with all my colleagues and our OEM partners, dealers and suppliers.”

Rutherford was chief executive of Ford NZ from 2016 until March of last year, when he transitioned to a regional role, though still based in Auckland.

His career with Ford began in his homeland, the United Kingdom, then took him to China, Thailand and United States prior to coming to NZ.

His career has included local, regional and global roles, covering all facets of the automotive industry; from retail, parts, distribution and sales and marketing.