William Ford Moves Higher in Auto Maker’s Restructuring

Ford Motor Co. announced Wednesday a restructuring of its strategic planning operations that results in 32-year-old William Clay Ford Jr. moving a step closer to the top of the auto maker.

Ford, nephew of Henry Ford II, the former chairman who died in 1987, and son of William Clay Ford Sr., who retired last April as vice chairman, was named director of business strategy for Ford’s Automotive Group. The appointment takes effect at once.

He reports to Allan D. Gilmour, who became president of Ford Automotive Group when Donald E. Petersen retired as chairman March 1.

Although company spokesman Tom Foote officially declined to characterize Ford’s new job as a promotion, the appointment gives him greatly expanded responsibilities and a direct, daily link with top management. Ford was elected to the board in early 1988.