How Alan Mulally rescued Ford

[Blue Goose]

How Alan Mulally rescued Ford


In his new book "American Icon: Alan Mulally and the Fight to Save Ford Motor Company," author Bryce G. Hoffman, a veteran reporter with the Detroit News, details "one of the greatest turnarounds in business history" and, to a lesser extent, the man behind it.

Published by Crown Business, the book makes for a fascinating read for anyone who follows the car industry; others may find the story engaging too, if hard work in places.

Some people underestimate Alan Mulally when they first meet him. Ford Motor Co.'s 66-year-old chief executive, who grew up in Kansas and once aspired to be an astronaut, looks and sometimes acts like an overgrown Boy Scout. He laces his speech with words such as "neat," "cool" and "absolutely."

But the farm-boy exterior conceals one of business' toughest, most ruthless managers. When a desperate Bill Ford recruited Mulally from Boeing in 2006, Ford was heading for a $12.7-billion loss and on the verge of losing its No. 2 sales spot in the U.S. to Toyota because of poor management and an uninspiring vehicle lineup.

Four years later, Ford reported a $6.6-billion profit — the biggest in the sector that year — and Toyota was comparing its cars with Fords, not Hondas, in its ads.

 

[DNFXDLI]

 

[Beach66Bum]

There is a bond that all Ford owners share!

 

[kiwi f150]

...... too lazy to push the button as many times as you did Duncan.


But seriously it just goes to show that the bailouts that were handed out willy nilly to large industries weren't necessary after all ........ good old fashioned ingenuity and hard work is paying off for Ford and i would expect that the American public will only respect them more at the expense of bailout brands such as GM.

 

[taxreliever]

I believe this guy replaced one of the heirs to Ford (Bill) and was the first time someone in Henry's bloodline wasn't sitting at the helm. They had to do something I guess.

 

[O'Rattlecan]

This is why CEO's make the big bucks. They have to attract the best of the best of the best talent. As much as the guys on the line want to believe, not just anyone can do the job of CEO. Alan exemplifies the desire to have a competent, smart leader.

Ryan

 

[LEB Ben]

I love all things Mulally.

 

[m78]

This is why CEO's make the big bucks. They have to attract the best of the best of the best talent. As much as the guys on the line want to believe, not just anyone can do the job of CEO. Alan exemplifies the desire to have a competent, smart leader.

Ryan

Why do they still get the big bucks when they fail ?

 

[O'Rattlecan]

Why do they still get the big bucks when they fail ?

It completely depends on the circumstances. From contracts to likelihood of success, to cronyism, it runs the gamut. The point is, you have to buy the best talent or they'll walk right past your door.

Ryan

 

[kiwi f150]

It completely depends on the circumstances. From contracts to likelihood of success, to cronyism, it runs the gamut. The point is, you have to buy the best talent or they'll walk right past your door.

Ryan

I don't think money alone motivates guys like Alan Mulally - they just keep on going until they get the result they pictured in the beginning of their role.

Perhaps the rest of us "peons" wouldn't mind the large salaries these guys command if it was split into two parts ....... 20% base salary and 80% performance related - now that would really bring out the good CEOs

 

[O'Rattlecan]

If I was a majority shareholder in a business or on a board of directors, I'd think that would be a good plan!

Ryan

 

[BuzzGun79]

It takes a Passion for the field Mark..something that is in the blood so to speak.Those of us who have it will fight for what is right no matter the circumstances or outcomes.it is what we believe in.Dale Earnhardt is a good example or those in military status who are willing to pay the ultimate price for the work they do.