Bill Ford

William (Bill) Ford Jr., executive chair of the Ford Motor Company, continues to shape the future of the iconic automotive giant founded by his great-grandfather, Henry Ford, in Detroit. Under his leadership, Ford has expanded its vision beyond merely selling cars, focusing on creating greener, cleaner vehicles that move more efficiently on smarter road systems. He envisions a future where traditional cars might be replaced by mass transit and other innovative forms of mobility, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking.

Ford's journey with the company began in 1979 as a product planning analyst, leading to various roles in manufacturing, sales, marketing, product development, and finance. He played a crucial role during the 1982 Ford-United Auto Workers labor talks, which revolutionized the automotive industry through employee involvement. In 1988, Ford joined the Board of Directors, and since January 1999, he has served as its chairman, guiding the company through significant transformations. As CEO from 2001 to 2006, Ford led the company from a $5.5 billion loss to three consecutive years of profitability by improving quality, lowering costs, and introducing new, exciting products.

One of Ford's most recent and significant endeavors is the restoration of the historic Michigan Central Station in Detroit, once an eyesore and symbol of the city’s decline. Under Ford's leadership, the company acquired the abandoned train station and began a massive restoration project to return the building to its former grandeur. The revitalized station is now set to host a number of companies, becoming a hub for innovation and helping to put Detroit back on the map as a center of technology and industry. This project not only reflects Ford’s commitment to the city’s revival but also aligns with his vision of integrating the company's future with the broader development of sustainable urban mobility.

Reflecting on his work, Ford has stated, "The ongoing success of Ford Motor Company is my life's work. We want to have an even greater impact in our next 100 years than we did in our first 100." His dedication to Ford's future and to the revitalization of Detroit underscores his commitment to leading the company into a new era of innovation and environmental responsibility.