Longtime Ford executive Greg Smith retired on March 1, 2006, after 32 years with the company. Smith began his career in 1973 as an engineer with truck operations and rose through the ranks to become Vice Chairman.
“Greg has contributed tremendously to Ford Motor Company in many areas, including leading the turnaround at Ford Motor Credit,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford. “His deep knowledge of all aspects of the business has been extremely helpful as we’ve developed our plans for the future, and I’m pleased he will remain with us in a consulting role.”
Throughout his career, Smith held various engineering and product planning positions. He transitioned to the Ford Division in 1985, serving as Truck and Powertrain Marketing Plans manager, followed by manager of Car Marketing Plans, and then Central Region Marketing manager. He then moved to the Lincoln Mercury Division as the Dallas District Operations manager.
Returning from Dallas in 1990, Smith became Director of Strategy and Advanced Planning for car product development. In 1993, he was promoted to executive director of Strategic Planning and External Affairs for the Ford Financial Services Group. He later served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Ford Motor Credit and eventually became Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit. In 2004, he was appointed Executive Vice President and President of the Americas before being elected Vice Chairman.
“Greg’s respect for his fellow employees and his leadership behaviors are well known and highly regarded throughout the company,” said Jim Padilla, Ford Motor Company president and Chief Operating Officer. “We appreciate his many contributions and will greatly miss his knowledge and insight.”
As Vice Chairman, Smith oversaw central corporate staffs, including Human Resources and Labor Affairs, Corporate Strategy and Information Technology, and Automotive Strategy. He played a key role in guiding Ford Motor Company’s strategic development and defining its future financial services.