Jacques Brent

Jacques Brent is the Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota & Lexus. He was appointed to lead multiple launches slated for 2023, reinforce the business’s market leadership, and steer it through ongoing transitions ranging from green mobility to digitalisation.

The senior appointment brings with him an illustrious career spanning almost three decades across global markets such as USA, China, South Africa and the UAE. Over a nearly 30-year stellar automotive career, Jacques has amassed diverse expertise, including senior level positions in marketing, finance, sales and business management in Ford, while also steering the pre-owned sector advancement of South Africa’s largest independent dealer group, Halfway; a stint which added to his diverse spectrum of experiences.

Prior to his move to South Africa, Jacques enjoyed a highly successful 24-year career with Ford, starting at Ford’s South Africa operation in 1995, and culminating in a role as Global Director, Product Marketing at Ford’s HQ in Dearborn, Michigan. In this role, he was responsible for alignment between Ford’s Marketing and Product Development activities, including improving the product planning process, representing the voice of the customer for all Ford and Lincoln products globally, and leading pricing strategy.

Brent’s first experience in Asia Pacific came with a move to Ford’s Shanghai office to take on the role of Executive Marking Director for the Asia Pacific and Africa region, following a successful term as Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service for Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. Jacques then served as the President of Ford Middle East & Africa, where he led the company’s operations across 70 markets at the newly-launched business unit headquartered in Dubai.

During the latter part of his career, Jacques was deeply involved in Ford’s transition to electric vehicles, experience which will prove pivotal in supporting Al-Futtaim Automotive’s sustainable mobility strategy.