Former Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ford, Barbara Samardzich, is an influential HR, business management and leadership speaker. She has enjoyed great success managing all manufacturing across Europe, the increased profitability being a testament to Barbara's influence. Influential and informative, Barbara's speeches are celebrated for their insight into the motor industry. As a speaker, both keynote, after dinner and guest, she discusses at length her experience of elite business, especially from the perspective of a woman.
Barbara's perseverance has been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2016 25 Leading Women in the European Auto Industry, 2011 Top 50 Automotive Women, 2004 Women in Engineering Achievement Award and the 2005 and 2010 Leading Woman in the North American Automotive Industry. Barbara graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, before studying for her Master's at the Carnegie Mellon University in the same discipline.
In 2005, she was offered her first job at Ford Motor Company, starting as the Vice President in Global Powertrain Engineering. For five years she played a main role in the design and development of the "powertrain", otherwise known as the mechanism that connects the engine drive to the axle. Recognised for her sharp eye and unwavering business focus, she was promoted to CEO of Ford's Europe division in 2013.
In this role, Barbara was responsible for the manufacturing, product development, purchasing, safety, quality and environmental sustainability of the company. Barbara managed over 30,000 employees to profitable success. In 2016, she accepted a position on the Board of Directors of C-Suite Executive. Barbara worked directly with Velodyne, SKF AB, Bombardier Recreational Products and MTS Corp, to improve their business production value. From early beginnings as a thermal designer engineer in 1990 to the CEO of one of the leading brands in the motor industry, Barbara has established herself as one of the most influential business figures available to book for your event.
How to hire Barbara Samardzich
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Barbara Samardzich for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
