'I’m delighted to take on this role at an exciting time': Former Ford executive appointed chair of Queen’s Business School advisory board
Northern Ireland-born Dr Lyle Watters, who spent 37 years in senior international roles with Ford, will take up the position at Queen’s University Belfast in September
Queen’s Business School (QBS) at Queen’s University Belfast is delighted to announce Dr Lyle Watters as the new chair of its Advisory Board.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Dr Watters is a former senior executive of Ford Motor Company, where he spent 37 years in leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, USA, South America, China and other key Asian markets.
He served for eight years as a corporate officer of Ford, including as President of Ford South America & International Markets Group, Vice President and General Manager of Ford’s passenger vehicle business in China, and CFO of Ford of Europe and South America.
He has extensive international board and governance experience, including roles with major Ford joint ventures in China, Turkey, Russia and Germany. His work has encompassed evaluating and executing investment opportunities, fostering domestic and export growth, developing innovative business models and spearheading organizational restructuring.
He is also a member of the Senate of Queen’s University Belfast, a Trustee of the USPCA, and an independent business advisor.
A graduate of Queen’s, where he completed his MBA, Dr Watters was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science in Economics by Queen’s earlier this summer in recognition of his contribution to business and leadership.
Commenting on his new role at Queen’s, he said: “I’m delighted to take on this role at an exciting time for the School. QBS has strong foundations and growing international ambition, and I believe the Board can make a real contribution by bringing external insight, constructive challenge and strong connections to business and wider society.
“My priority is to ensure the Board is forward-looking and impactful, helping QBS anticipate change, strengthen its international reach and create new opportunities for its students, faculty and the communities it serves.”
Dr Watters takes up his new post at QBS from September 2026.