Dianne Craig – President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada – recognized with Georgian Honorary Degree

Oct. 27, 2015

Dianne Craig, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada and good friend to the Automotive Business School of Canada, can now add recipient of honorary degree to her impressive resumé.

Georgian College President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes presented Craig with the Georgian College Board of Governors’ Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies degree during convocation ceremonies at the Barrie Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The honorary degree is presented to a recipient who has enhanced or promoted the college’s image and reputation in Ontario or elsewhere; made a significant contribution to society; and achieved noted accomplishments in a particular field of study or applied education.

Craig began her career with the Ford Motor Company in an entry-level sales and marketing position in 1986. In the intervening years, she has advanced to the role of President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company of Canada. In this role, she oversees Ford’s Canadian headquarters, three regional offices, three vehicle assembly and engine plants, and two parts distribution centres.

At the helm of Ford Canada during a time of unprecedented challenge within the automotive industry, Craig has drawn on her skills and experience to carefully navigate the company and its 6,000 employees and 18,000 dealership staff through rough waters into the success story it is today.

Several years ago, she committed Ford to become the exclusive automotive partner for Georgian’s solar power-assisted electric vehicle charging station. Visitors to the Barrie Campus can’t miss this station, with its distinctive V-shaped canopy and connections for electric vehicles.

“Students and faculty from Georgian’s engineering and environmental programs are using two Ford vehicles – a C-MAX Energi and a Focus Electric – and two charging units, all generously donated by Ford, to learn how to optimize electricity use and distribution systems in a future when electric vehicles have a greater share of the market,” says West-Moynes. “When Dianne visited the Barrie Campus in 2013 for the unveiling of this facility, she spoke to students about the importance of such applied research and the need for innovation in the automotive industry.”

Demonstrating her deep commitment to community partnerships, Craig has led Ford to become a co-title sponsor for We Create Change Tours, working closely with Free the Children to celebrate young people across Canada who are committed to helping others.

Craig has also taken the time to share personal and passionate stories about her own career path with Georgian’s automotive students.