Ford appoints Murray Naismith as Australia and NZ CFO

Ford Australia has appointed automotive finance veteran Murray Naismith as chief financial officer for Australia and New Zealand, bringing him back to the company after nearly two decades.

Naismith brings more than 30 years of experience across automotive finance, operations, strategy, governance and commercial leadership.

Naismith returns to Ford

The appointment marks Naismith’s return to Ford, where he spent more than eight years between 1998 and 2006 in finance and management roles.

During his earlier tenure, he held positions including marketing and sales finance manager and national warranty manager, alongside analytical roles.

His return comes with experience across automotive distribution, retail, remarketing and vehicle services.

Experience across automotive sector

Before rejoining Ford, Naismith was director and owner of STRIVE Business Services, advising businesses on strategy, organisational development, financial management, performance and governance.

He previously spent almost seven years at Cox Automotive Australia, progressing from chief financial officer to managing director of Remarketing & Vehicle Solutions.

As managing director, he led the company's largest business unit, covering auctions, automotive services, logistics and car-buying operations.

Naismith also spent more than five years as finance director at Borneo Motors Singapore, where he served as CFO and deputy to the CEO.

Broad finance and operational expertise

Earlier in his career, Naismith spent more than six years at Inchcape Australia, holding roles including general manager operations and financial controller.

His experience has included financial planning, transformation programmes, digital lead management, pricing, inventory, supply chain and dealership redevelopment.

He began his career at Commonwealth Bank of Australia before moving into accounting and building a career spanning finance and automotive leadership.

Naismith's return to Ford brings together his previous knowledge of the business with more than three decades of experience across finance, commercial strategy and automotive operations.