Ford Vietnam welcomes new CEO with Coca-Cola leadership background

Currently CEO of Ford New Zealand, Atina brings more than 20 years of management experience across several industries, including a stint at Coca-Cola Amatil.

According to Ford Motor Company, Annaliese Atina will relocate to Hanoi for her new role. 

She will report directly to Andrew Birkic, vice president of sales and service for Ford’s International Markets Group (IMG).

Atina joined Ford New Zealand in 2024 as CEO and managing director. 

She has overseen the company’s business operations, dealer network development and initiatives aimed at improving the customer experience.

Before joining Ford, Atina had more than 20 years of management experience across the automotive, fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications and technology sectors.

She previously held senior positions at Vodafone New Zealand and Coca-Cola Amatil, where she was responsible for customer, sales and business operations.

In addition to running businesses, Atina has experience in technology and education management. 

She is also the founder and a leadership coach at Ambition Collective, a leadership coaching and consulting firm.

At Ford Vietnam, Atina will succeed Ruchik Shah, who is leaving the company to pursue new career opportunities. Ford recognized Shah’s contributions during his time leading the company’s operations in Vietnam.

The leadership change comes as Ford Vietnam continues to expand its product lineup. 

In 2026, the automaker updated key models including the Ranger and Everest, while adding the Territory Platinum variant.

Ford Vietnam’s current lineup focuses on SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, with the Ranger and Everest serving as its two key models. 

According to Ford, Atina’s appointment is aimed at further driving business growth, expanding the dealer network and improving the customer experience in Vietnam.

Atina said she would work closely with Ford’s employees, dealer network and partners to continue the company’s business operations in Vietnam, while focusing on meeting customers’ needs in the coming period.

Andrew Birkic, Ford’s vice president of sales and service for the IMG, said Atina’s leadership experience and understanding of customers and the dealer network would support Ford Vietnam’s operations in the next phase.