A Conversation with Mark Fields, Ford President and CEO

Introduction by Professor Sheri Sheppard

Burton J. and Deedee McMurtry University Fellow in Undergraduate Education and Professor of Mechanical Engineering

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Thursday, February 25, 2016

d.School Atrium Map

Limited capacity

President and CEO Mark Fields will discuss how Ford is transforming itself into both an automotive and a mobility company; insights and learnings from Fields’ 26-year career leading Ford’s businesses around the world and Why Ford - Why Now.

Mark Fields became president and CEO of Ford Motor Company on July 1, 2014 and has been responsible for overseeing Ford’s fastest global manufacturing expansion in 50 years. He has led the most aggressive global product introduction schedule in the company’s history. Under Fields’ leadership, Ford is expanding its business model to be both an automotive and a mobility company.

Ford Motor is one of the world's largest automakers in the world and pursuing emerging opportunities to become a Smart Mobility company – the company intends to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics.

Ford’s commitment to innovation was reflected in last year’s opening of their Research and Innovation Center Palo Alto. In less than one year this facility has grown to over 100 engineers and researchers, 80% being new to Ford. Ford research collaborations at Stanford are focused on many of their most critical business opportunities and challenges, including electric/hybrid vehicles, advanced materials, sensors and computer vision, improved safety, autonomous driving and user experience/user interface.