JOE BAKAJ

Vice- president, product development, Ford of Europe

SPEAK to Joe Bakaj and his constantly shifting accent reflects a career spent globe-trotting for Ford. But he was born in Wellingborough, gained his mechanical engineering degree from City University London and joined Ford of Britain in 1985. It’s been a strong year for the firm’s European cars, with the successful launch of a new Fiesta and strong feedback on the all-new Focus. There are signs its SUVS are gaining ground, especially the Ecosport, which Bakaj’s team has chipped away at.