Christopher Barnes is a highly accomplished executive leader with 34 years of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in manufacturing operations, lean systems, and strategic business development. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong ability to drive operational excellence, lead high-performing teams, and implement efficiency-driven solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. His leadership is defined by a commitment to continuous improvement, cultural transformation, and talent development, making him a respected figure in the industry.
With a track record of success at Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd., Christopher has held several senior leadership roles, including Site Manager of Windsor Operations, Launch Manager for the 6.8L Program, and multiple Plant Manager positions across North America. His responsibilities have spanned large-scale manufacturing operations, overseeing thousands of employees, multimillion-dollar budgets, and complex supply chain logistics. As Site Manager, he was responsible for the Windsor and Essex Engine Plants, managing a $180M labor and overhead budget and a total throughput budget of $1.8B across 3 million square feet of manufacturing space.
A champion of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, Christopher has led transformative initiatives that resulted in significant cost savings, improved production efficiencies, and enhanced labor utilization. His ability to negotiate, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and implement strategic workforce development programs has positioned him as a forward-thinking leader in the automotive sector. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Ford of Canada’s labor negotiations, successfully delivering local and national agreements during one of the most challenging bargaining sessions in over 16 years.
Christopher’s international experience spans the United States, Canada, Spain, England, Germany, and Russia, equipping him with a global perspective on automotive manufacturing and supply chain dynamics. He has also cultivated strategic partnerships with educational institutions such as St. Clair College and the University of Windsor to develop workforce training and recruitment programs, further strengthening the industry’s talent pipeline.
In addition to his extensive operational expertise, Christopher is deeply committed to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and leadership development. His mentorship of emerging leaders within Ford has contributed to the organization’s long-term success and resilience in an evolving industry. His background as a Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Project Champion underscores his analytical and process-driven approach to problem-solving, ensuring that business objectives are met with precision and efficiency.
Christopher holds a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business and served as a commissioned officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. As an Australian Institute of Business Alumni Christopher served as an Industry Panel Advisor from 2022 to 2024 working with the school to improve the relevance and focus of curriculum. His passion for continuous learning and exploration extends beyond the boardroom—he is an avid golfer and musician who enjoys playing the guitar.
Currently exploring board service opportunities, Christopher is intrigued by the prospect of analyzing different business models, contributing his strategic insights, and learning from new industries. His extensive leadership experience, expertise in operational excellence, and ability to drive cultural change make him a valuable asset to organizations seeking growth and transformation.
Character: Christopher Barnes is a servant leader who fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within his teams.
Knowledge: With 34 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, lean systems, and Six Sigma methodologies, he brings deep expertise in operational efficiency and strategic workforce development.
Strategic: He has successfully led multimillion-dollar operations, negotiated complex labor agreements, and implemented transformative cost-saving initiatives to drive long-term business success.
Communication: Christopher is a strong negotiator and relationship builder, effectively collaborating with stakeholders, government entities, and educational institutions to advance workforce and industry development.
