Our own William Jeanes wrote a stinker of an op-ed piece in Automotive News weeks ago where he rightfully criticized “Money Mark” Fields for his lack of true leadership. Leaders have “to be there” through the good times and bad and the Ford executive’s use of the company plane to fly back and forth to Florida was not the kind of example he should be setting during these times of sacrifice. It appears now that Fields has come around and is dropping his use of the plane, which some estimated to be a $70,000-per-week perk.
Automotive News quotes a Ford spokesperson who says:
“He said he has made a decision to stop using the company aircraft for his personal use,” Ford spokesman Tom Hoyt said. “He doesn’t want this or any other issue to distract the team from its main mission, which is to deliver the Way Forward plan and return our North American business to profitability.”
Fields will now fly commercial. Ford will pay the cost.
+ Automotive News: Fields Gives Up Jet (subscription required)
Perhaps the problem is less the jet, than the time spent going back and forth at all. Is there some reason he just HAS to be in Florida? Every week? If he were committed wouldn’t he live a little closer to work?
If Florida is not a problem, maybe the private plane isn’t a bad idea. Either his time is valuable, or it isn’t.
Agreed, LandC. Being a Michigan native, I find it hard to believe that Money Mark can’t find a suitable place to live in our suburbs.
Aww, what a shame.
Gimme a break, “brutal”schedule, my guess is most Ford employees have a tougher day than Mark EVER saw. POOR baby should move closer to work If he’s so interested in a Ford recovery why is he not working seven days a week???
I was glad to find your article on the Winding Road web site. I had heard about this as a little story on one of the big media networks…nothing else anywhere else.
As someone outside the auto industry I would like to know why the Unions are not saying no to this kind of perks. And saying it for everyone to hear. I am sure there are many other outrageously WRONG perks given to the upper management at the expense of American Workers.
$70,000 a week????? That is 52 nice paying jobs….that is 104 good paying jobs.
As an investor in 401Ks I want more American workers…buying American cars they build…living in American neighborhoods. I do not want executives who are paid excessive dollars and perks while saying Americans cost too much.
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