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Ford's Visionary Leader Donald Petersen Passes at 97

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Donald E. Petersen, former president of Ford Motor Company, died on April 24, 2024, at age 97 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
He joined Ford in 1949, became president in March 1980, and was a former Marine with a mechanical engineering degree.
Petersen moved Ford from a billion-dollar loss in 1980 to become a leading automaker.
During the energy crisis and recession, he implemented cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and plant closures.

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Story summary

Donald E. Petersen, former president of Ford Motor Company, died on April 24, 2024, at age 97 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
He joined Ford in 1949, became president in March 1980, and was a former Marine with a mechanical engineering degree.
Petersen moved Ford from a billion-dollar loss in 1980 to become a leading automaker.
During the energy crisis and recession, he implemented cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and plant closures.