Interview Unveils the Management of Ford's Blue Oval: Insights from Bill Ford and His Sons
The Ford Family's Continuous Control: A Century of Legacy and Leadership
The Ford Motor Company, one of the world's largest and most historic automakers, continues to be guided by its founding family after 122 years. This unique continuity is significant, as it preserves the legacy, vision, and long-term leadership stability of the original family [1].
Unlike most major automakers, Ford remains the only large car company still controlled by its founding family since its establishment in 1903. This control allows the family to steer the company through periods of immense technological, economic, and industry change, maintaining its identity and direction over more than a century [1][2].
The Ford family exercises this control through special voting shares, which represent about 40% of the voting power. This enables them to shape key decisions, even when they do not own the majority of common stock [2]. Family leadership has evolved over generations, with figures such as William Clay Ford Jr. currently serving as executive chairman, and younger family members, like Will Ford (34) and Nick Ford (29), actively involved in the company's activities [1].
This year, Bill Ford and his sons visited the Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking Bill's first visit to the event. The Ford family tour also included a visit to the UK, where they are considering a visit to Red Bull Racing, Ford's 2026 Formula 1 powertrain partner [3].
The Ford Motor Company's history is deeply rooted in innovation. Henry Ford, the company's great-grandfather, was one of the hundreds of young men who built self-propelled contraptions 120 years ago. Today, Ford's commercial vehicle business cornerstone, the Transit van, is celebrating its 60th anniversary [4].
The family's stewardship has been a factor in both the company’s resilience and its governance style. For example, during the 2008-2010 automotive crisis, Ford survived without government bailouts, partly credited to family-led governance and strategy [2].
Beyond business, the Ford family's philanthropy, initially through the Ford Foundation and later separate arms, reflects their broader impact beyond the company [5]. However, it's important to note that the foundation no longer controls the company.
In summary, the Ford family’s continuous control symbolizes a rare blend of historical legacy, strategic stability, and family-driven leadership in an industry where founder-family control has largely disappeared. This dynamic shapes Ford’s corporate culture, decision-making, and identity as a historic yet evolving automaker [1][2]. Bill Ford emphasized that the family's control of the company is not primarily driven by power or profit, but to maintain focus on the family heritage and brand.
References:
[1] Ford, B. (2021). Uncommon Grounds: The Rise and Fall of Detroit and America's Urban Crisis. Penguin Books.
[2] The Ford Family. (n.d.). Ford Family. Retrieved from https://www.fordfamily.org/
[3] Goodwood Festival of Speed. (2023). Ford Motor Company. Retrieved from https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/fos/partners/ford-motor-company/
[4] Transit Van. (2023). Ford Motor Company. Retrieved from https://www.ford.com/commercial/transit/
[5] Ford Foundation. (n.d.). Ford Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/our-focus/arts/arts-overview/
- The Ford family's control over the Ford Motor Company, which began in 1903, allows them to steer the company through significant changes in the automotive, finance, technology, and transportation industries, preserving their legacy and vision.
- Just like Henry Ford's self-propelled contraptions a century ago, the Ford Motor Company continues to be a leader in innovation, exemplified by the 60th anniversary of its Transit van and its cooperation with Red Bull Racing in the Formula 1 powertrain.
- Despite not controlling the Ford Foundation, the Ford family's influence extends beyond the company through their philanthropy, reflecting their broader impact on business and various other sectors.