Henry Ford II
Henry Ford II was an industrialist and auto magnate, best known as the former Chairman and President of the Ford Motor Company. Ford II turned his grandfather's faltering automobile company into the second largest industrial corporation in the world. Under his tenure, Ford launched legendary vehicles including the Mustang (1964), Thunderbird (1955), and the Ford Falcon, which helped Ford regain appeal with younger and female buyers. He also expanded operations internationally, with factories and sales infrastructure across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Ford II formally retired from all positions at Ford Motor Company on October 1, 1982, upon reaching the company's mandatory retirement age of 65, but remained the ultimate source of authority at Ford until his death in 1987.
Ford II is widely credited with saving Ford Motor Company from stagnation and steering it into the modern aerospace of global auto manufacturing.
Under his leadership, the Ford Motor Company boasted net profits of $265 million in 1950. Three years later, Ford Motor overtook Chrysler and claimed second place in industry sales.
He recruited the famed “Whiz Kids,” a group of analytically minded veterans including Robert McNamara, to introduce data-driven management systems to the company.
The company also became an industry innovator, introducing new models such as the Falcon which sold more than 417,000 units in 1959, an all-time first year record.
He served as President of the Ford Motor Company from 1945 to 1960, and Chairman of the Board and CEO from 1960 to 1979.
RECOGNITIONS
1983 Automotive Hall of Fame
1969 Presidential Medal of Freedom