Mates and colleagues of former TrustFord chairman and chief govt Stuart Foulds have paid tribute to a “straight-talking, true skilled” following his dying yesterday (July 14).
Former Ford of Britain managing director Andy Barrett described Foulds as a “proud household man whose household prolonged deep into the automotive sector” whereas good friend James Brearley, the previous Inchcape CEO, stated: “He was one of many gents of the business”.
Foulds, who retired from his position with AM100 group TrustFord in February 2022, was inducted into the AM Hall of fame in May however his enjoyment of retired life was lower tragically brief simply weeks after a coronary heart assault prompted surgical procedure.
He died at his house in Scotland, AM understands. He was 67.
Barratt stated: “Stuart’s retirement marked a loss for the automotive sector and his dying marks a tragic loss solely. As a personality he had a lot gravitas and dignity.
“Stuart and I had a powerful working friendship going again to his Pendragon days. We have been the ambassadors for our two companies after we wanted to seek out some center floor. He was a straight-talking true skilled and all the time exhibited such power and belief and honesty.
“He was a proud household man who was immensely pleased with his son, daughter and grandchildren, however his household additionally prolonged deep into the automotive sector. He had a friendship with the grandaughter of Henry Ford and was recognized and revered all through the sector. We received’t see one other like him.”
Former Pendragon colleague, and good friend of over 20 years, Brearley stated: “Stuart’s dying is so tragic. It truly is. He’d simply retired and was so desperate to spend extra time together with his spouse and household doing the issues he wished to do.”
Brearley described Foulds as “a very good good friend” and “a gentleman of the business”, including: “I consider his legacy would be the sheer variety of actually spectacular business operators that labored with Stuart early on of their careers. His information and help helped to supply some nice skills.”
An announcement issued by TrustFord this morning stated that everybody inside the enterprise had been saddened to study the information of Foulds’ dying.
TrustFord’s performing chairman and chief govt, Stuart Mustoe, stated: ”I’m positive I communicate for everybody within the TrustFord household by saying how sorry I used to be to listen to of this tragic occasion.
“We all know how a lot Stuart loved his position with the corporate and lots of extremely profitable initiatives inside the group at this time happened throughout his tenure.
“We want to prolong our heartfelt sympathies to his spouse, Moira, his youngsters and wider household at this very troublesome time.”
Earlier this yr AM Awards judges paid tribute to the “transformative period” which adopted Ford of Britain’s appointment of Foulds – a former director of Pendragon’s Evan Halshaw Ford Group – in June 2017.
The enlargement of its Lengthy Marston logistic centre, the speeding-up of gross sales and aftersales via the TrustFordNOW initiative and the roll-out of PartsPlus commerce components centres and QuickLane fast-fit operations throughout the UK have been among the many key initiatives that emerged underneath Foulds’ management.
Alongside a collection of strategic modifications made underneath Foulds’ management, TrustFord additionally focussed on its folks, main the way in which on points equivalent to variety and inclusion.
And Foulds turned recognised as a key supporter of the Ben automotive charity, significantly via its annual Break Out for Ben charity challenge, first run in 2018.
One AM Awards choose stated: “It’s nice that we will recognise what Stuart Foulds has carried out in his profession. There’s an actual legacy there.”
Talking to AM at this time, Barratt stated: “I do know the Corridor of Fame induction was one thing he was vastly pleased with. I’m glad he was in a position to get pleasure from that, and make a while to get pleasure from his household in latest months. He has left an incredible legacy.”
