Newsweek has named Ford CEO Jim Farley as its Executive of the Year and awarded him a spot on its “World’s Greatest Auto Disrupters of 2022.” When discussing its choice this week, Newsweek stated, “It’s all part of Farley’s larger plan, perhaps the ultimate disruption in the industry, to change how autos are seen, from ‘just cars’ to digital products, without losing their historical identity. It’s not about technology for technology’s sake but rather purpose-driven, and a shift to electric cars is central to the strategy.”
Farley has made several changes to the automaker’s operations that likely led to Newsweek’s decision, including the move to create its new Ford Pro commercial business and invest heavily into its technology and what it offers fleet owners. More changes include Ford’s Blue Oval Intelligence technology, various subscription options, and Ford’s Telematics software platform. Farley has also been praised for his enthusiastic push toward electrifying Ford’s vehicle lineup and coming up with improved digital options for consumers.
Farley told Newsweek that “this digital transformation has ripped its way through business and, after years of talking about it, it’s finally arrived in our industry.” He acknowledged Tesla for entering this movement over a decade ago, and added that “interconnectedness is key” and that Ford refers to the practice of continuously advancing digital tools as “Always On.”
It is not the first time Ford and Farley have been recognized this year, as Time Magazine gave the automaker a spot on its Most Influential Companies list, and Farley was awarded the title of MotorTrend’s “Person of the Year.”
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