FORD Group Phils. (FGP) has announced that Henry Co, the company’s chairman, is set to retire at the end of December. Co will bring to a close a career that spans more than 14 years at Ford.

Co first joined Ford in 1997 as manufacturing director of Ford Motor Co. Phils., and later moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where he served as business office director for Ford Asean. In 2002, Co was appointed FGP president and was key in developing the company’s manufacturing, export, marketing, sales and customer service operations.

In 2007, he was named FGP chairman and played an active role in steering the local automotive manufacturing industry.

“Co’s contributions to our business and the industry have been significant, specifically his leadership in the development of Ford’s manufacturing and export operations in the Philippines,” said FGP President Randy Krieger. “His strategic direction and counsel over the years have better positioned our operations for continued future success.”

Co has more than 30 years of experience in the local automotive industry. He served on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Export Development Council’s Executive Committee, a board member of the Philippine Solar Car Society and a member of the Management Association of the Philippines.