Elena Ford became chief dealer engagement officer in September 2023, for which she reports to Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue. In this role, she works closely with Ford’s 10,000 dealers worldwide to help effect their collective transformation into a competitive differentiator for the company.

Ford is focused on increasing the consistency and efficiency of the global dealer council’s governance, improving global retail facilities, modernizing training and development, leading dealer diversity, expanding community engagement, and amplifying best practices.

Prior to this assignment, Ford was chief customer experience officer, responsible for creating and delivering world-class experiences for customers. She has also been responsible for integrating the work of Ford Customer Service Division, the Quality organization, Sales and Marketing and the global dealer network to more tightly connect the interactions between Ford and its customers worldwide.

Since joining the company in 1995, Ford has served in marketing, brand strategy and business management roles. Among her achievements were development and launch of Ford’s global brand promise – Go Further – and spearheading the global rollout of Ford Signature dealership design.

Ford has been, vice president, Customer Experience and Global Dealer, and director, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. In the latter position, she was responsible for implementing the company’s One Ford global marketing vision. She also was executive vice president, Global Brand and Marketing, for Ford Credit, the company’s industry-leading financial services organization.

For Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, she champions the Auto Tech Scholarship program which, in partnership with Ford dealers, aims to foster diversity and reduce barriers for students pursuing careers as automotive technicians. This program supports Ford’s greater mission to prepare, empower and grow the future workforce needed to service vehicles and customers to prepare for an electrified future.

Ford serves on the boards of FordDirect, Percepta, Southampton Hospital Association, the Forman School, and Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford. She was twice named among the leading women in the auto industry by Automotive News, is active with the Henry Ford Hospital, and is involved in a number of community and business organizations, including United Way and International Women’s Forum, Michigan.

Ford is the great-great-granddaughter of company founder Henry Ford and the granddaughter of Henry Ford II. She is a graduate of New York University, from which she holds a bachelor’s degree.