William Clay Ford Sr.

Born:

March 14, 1925, Detroit, Michigan, USA

Died:

March 9, 2014, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, USA

Nationality:

American

Profession(s):

Businessman, Executive, Philanthropist

Early Life and Education

• Grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.
• Graduated from Hotchkiss School in 1943.
• Served in the United States Navy during World War II.
• Earned a B.S. in economics from Yale University in 1949.

Career and Major Achievements

• Began his career at Ford Motor Company in 1948.
• Held various positions including sales, advertising, and product planning.
• Elected to Ford's Board of Directors in 1949.
• Served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1979 to 1999.
• Was instrumental in the development of the Ford Mustang.
• Played a key role in Ford's involvement in motorsports, including Formula One.
• Owned the Detroit Lions NFL team from 1963 until his death.

Notable Works

• Oversaw major product development initiatives, contributing to the success of various Ford models.
• Helped guide Ford through periods of economic challenge and global expansion.
• Significant contributions to the Detroit community through philanthropic endeavors.

Legacy and Impact

William Clay Ford Sr. left a significant mark on the Ford Motor Company and the city of Detroit. His leadership helped shape Ford's product line and its presence in the global automotive market. The biography of William, which might also be considered as a "bennie fowler ford biography of william" within certain contexts referencing compiled biographical documents or sources, details his lifelong dedication to the company and the community he served.

Detroit Lions Ownership

• Acquired the Detroit Lions in 1963.
• Remained the owner until his death in 2014.

Related links