Does the Ford family still control Ford?
The Ford Motor Company, one of the most iconic names in the automotive industry, has a rich history dating back to its founding by Henry Ford in 1903. Over the years, the company has grown into a global powerhouse, but many people wonder: does the Ford family still have control over the company today? Let’s dive into the details to understand the Ford family’s role in the modern-day Ford Motor Company.
The Ford Family's Unique Ownership Structure
While Ford Motor Company is a publicly traded corporation, the Ford family retains significant control over the company through a dual-class stock structure. This structure allows the family to maintain voting power disproportionate to their economic stake in the company. Here’s how it works:
- Class A Shares: These are the common shares available to the public and traded on the stock market. Each Class A share carries one vote.
- Class B Shares: These are special shares primarily owned by the Ford family. Each Class B share carries 16 votes, giving the family substantial influence over corporate decisions.
As of recent reports, the Ford family owns a small percentage of the company’s total equity (around 2%), but their Class B shares grant them approximately 40% of the voting power. This ensures that the family remains a key decision-maker in the company’s operations and strategic direction.
Key Members of the Ford Family in Leadership Roles
The Ford family’s involvement in the company extends beyond ownership. Several family members have held or currently hold leadership positions within the company:
- William Clay Ford Jr.: Commonly known as Bill Ford, he is the Executive Chair of Ford Motor Company. Bill Ford has been a prominent figure in the company for decades and is a great-grandson of Henry Ford.
- Edsel Ford II: Another great-grandson of Henry Ford, Edsel Ford II has served on the company’s board of directors and has been actively involved in various aspects of the business.
The active participation of family members in leadership roles underscores their commitment to the company’s legacy and future.
Why the Ford Family’s Control Matters
The Ford family’s continued control over the company has several implications:
- Long-Term Vision: The family’s influence allows Ford to focus on long-term goals rather than short-term profits, which is often a challenge for publicly traded companies.
- Preservation of Legacy: The family’s involvement ensures that the company stays true to the values and vision of its founder, Henry Ford.
- Stability: The dual-class stock structure provides stability in leadership, which can be beneficial during times of economic uncertainty or industry disruption.
Conclusion
Yes, the Ford family still controls Ford Motor Company, albeit in a unique way. Through their Class B shares and active participation in leadership, the family maintains significant influence over the company’s direction and decisions. This arrangement has allowed Ford to balance the demands of being a publicly traded company with the stability and vision provided by family oversight. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the Ford family’s role will likely remain a cornerstone of the company’s identity and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Bloodline still alive?
Although all four of Ford's grandchildren have since died, William Clay Ford Sr.'s wife, Martha Firestone Ford, is still alive. Their marriage also united two business empires, as Martha's father was Harvey Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.
How much of Ford is still owned by the family?
Today the Fords collectively own less than 2% of the automaker, but –as in 1956, when the company went public — they remain firmly in control with 40% of the voting power through a special class of stock.
Who is the largest shareholder of Ford?
Its top shareholders, with 54.04% of the outstanding shares, are institutional. They include Vanguard, Blackrock, SSGA, and Newport Trust. The company also has individual shareholders, including executive chairman William Clay Ford, CEO James D. Farley, and ex-CEO James P.
How does the Ford family control the Ford Motor Company?
The family owns all of the company's Class B shares, which are collectively entitled to elect 40% of the company's board of directors, with the remaining 60% elected by the holders of the company's publicly traded common stock.
Does the Ford family still own the Lions?
Sheila Ford Hamp, 72, is the current Lions principal owner. She is one of four children of William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford, born in 1951. She has three sons and resides in Ann Arbor with her husband, Steve.
Do any Ford family members work at Ford?
Ford II, a director; and fifth-generation members Elena Ford, vice president of global dealer and consumer experience; Alessandro Uzielli, marketing; Calvin Ford, sales manager; Henry Ford III, sales/marketing; and Jody Ingle Jr., auto designer.
Is Ford still run by the Ford family?
Henry Ford was 39 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which became one of the world's largest and most profitable companies. It has been in continuous family control for over 100 years, and is one of the largest family-controlled companies in the world.
Does any of the Ford families still own Ford?
The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is controlled by the Ford family. They have minority ownership but a plurality of the voting power.
Is the Ford family still in charge of Ford?
The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is controlled by the Ford family.
Who is the current owner of the Detroit Lions?
Sheila Ford Hamp
Sheila Ford Hamp (née Sheila Firestone Ford; born October 31, 1951) is an American businesswoman and football executive. A descendant of both the Ford and Firestone families, she is the principal owner and chairwoman of the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).
