Mike Gingell is chief operating officer at FordDirect. In this role, he is responsible for the day-to-day operational execution of the business. This includes the implementation of business strategies that ensure FordDirect is the trusted partner to Ford Motor Company, Lincoln Motor Company, and the Ford and Lincoln Dealers, ultimately helping them to win at retail. He oversees a variety of FordDirect business units, including operations, analytics, product, dealer engagement, OEM engagement, and marketing.

Mike joined FordDirect in 2019 as senior vice president, product, marketing and dealer engagement, a role in which he was responsible for delivering products that help Ford and Lincoln Dealers throughout the United States maximize their digital resources in order to increase their new vehicle and service sales. He was also responsible for overseeing the FordDirect dealer engagement team and FordDirect’s internal and external marketing and communications strategies.

Prior to joining FordDirect, Mike spent over 25 years in the automotive information industry and has led teams that have focused on delivering data and technology solutions for automotive OEMs, automotive retailers, the automotive aftermarket, the commercial truck industry, and the finance and insurance markets.

Throughout his career, he has consistently built high-performing product, sales, marketing, and operational teams. Before arriving at FordDirect, Mike held the role of president, Ultimate Data, a division of Wiland Inc. In this role, he initiated a start-up division that delivered audience-targeting solutions for direct-to-consumer brands. Prior to Wiland, Mike held various global leadership roles at IHSMarkit, R.L. Polk & Co., Donnelly Marketing, and InfoUSA.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Oakland University and a master’s degree in business administration from Wayne State University.