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A t the March 2005 board meeting William Clay Ford announced his intention to retire as a director after 57 years of service. At the Board’s request, he was named Director Emeritus. 

“Ford Motor Company has always been part of my life and I continue to draw a lot of energy from this wonderful and exciting business,” Mr. Ford said. “Leaving the Board will relieve me of formal duties and give me more flexibility, but I will continue to help the company and the Board in any way I can.” 

In 1978, Mr. Ford was elected chairman of the Executive Committee and appointed a member of the Office of the Chief Executive. He was elected vice chairman of the Board in 1980 and chairman of the Finance Committee in 1987. He retired from his post as vice chairman in 1989 and as chairman of the Finance Committee in 1995. At the time of his retirement, he served on the Finance Committee. 

Mr. Ford served on the Board for more than half of the company’s 102 years. As the only surviving grandson of the late Henry Ford and father of the current chairman, he uniquely links the company’s past and future. 

Mr. Ford was elected to the Board of Directors on June 4, 1948, and began his employment with the company after graduating from Yale University in 1949. Throughout his career he oversaw the design and development of a number of classic vehicles, including the Continental Mark II, considered by many to be one of the greatest cars ever built. 

“My dad helped lead Ford into the modern era and make us who we are,” said Chairman and CEO Bill Ford. “His institutional knowledge is an incredible asset and his love for the company is unmatched. We will continue to turn to him for advice and counsel.” 

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