portsmouth abbey news
President and CEO of Ford to Speak at Portsmouth Abbey School Commencement on May 25
In his senior yearbook profile, James D. Farley, Jr. wrote, “Love is…a 427 Cobra,” and thanked his “Gramps,” Emmet Tracy, who was an early employee at Ford and one of the first to help build the Model T. It was Tracy that fueled Farley’s love of automobiles.
On Sunday, May 25, the Class of 1981 graduate will be on the Portsmouth Abbey School stage again. This time, Farley will deliver the Commencement Address to the 83 members of the Class of 2025 as Ford's President and Chief Executive Officer, and a member of Ford’s Board of Directors. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors of Harley-Davidson.
“It’s my privilege to return to Portsmouth Abbey to share my perspective and experiences with the class of 2025,” Farley said. “My time at the Abbey was filled with learning and self-discovery that had a profound effect on my own path in life and the person I am today. I am thankful to share with the students the underlying truth in that effect.
A three-sport athlete in football, hockey and golf, Farley was a member of the SENE championship football team and captained the SENE championship golf team in his Sixth Form (senior) year. He later graduated from Georgetown University and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“We are honored that Mr. Farley will serve as our Commencement Speaker,” said Head of School Matt Walter. “His experiences as a student, an alumnus, a business leader, and most importantly, a man of faith, will undoubtedly enlighten and inspire this year’s graduating class. We look forward to welcoming him to campus again in May.”
As Ford’s team-oriented CEO, Farley focuses on transforming the company to lead the digital and electric revolution in the automotive industry. Under his leadership, the company reorganized its business into three distinct segments: Blue, for iconic gas and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, for breakthrough EVs along with creating the digital platforms and software for Ford’s entire product lineup; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform their operations with work-ready vehicles and services.
Before becoming CEO, Farley was Ford’s chief operating officer, responsible for strengthening the company’s global automotive operations. He also previously served as Ford’s president of New Businesses, Technology and Strategy, and as Ford’s executive vice president and president of Global Markets, among several other roles.
He was instrumental in reinventing the Lincoln brand, setting it on a path for continued growth as a world-class provider of luxury vehicles and customer experience, including Lincoln’s introduction in China.
Before joining Ford in 2007, Farley was group vice president and general manager of Lexus, and the group vice president responsible for all Toyota Division market planning, advertising, merchandising, sales promotion, incentives, and internet activities. Farley previously worked in Toyota’s strategic planning, product, and marketing in the United States and Europe, and led the successful launch of Toyota’s Scion brand.
In keeping with the Benedictine values of his high school alma mater, Farley is also dedicated to giving back to his community. He supports the Pope Francis Center in Detroit and recently served as the Chairman of the capital campaign for its new $40 million Bridge Housing Campus, which will open for residents in June. One can often find him volunteering incognito, quietly sweeping floors, cleaning the kitchen or distributing food and other supplies to people experiencing homelessness.
Although Farley has traveled far and learned much beyond his years at Portsmouth, his commitment to service and love for the automobile have remained. When not at work, volunteering, or with his family, you will likely find him racing one of several vintage vehicles, including a 1966 427 Cobra.
Farley was featured in the 2021 Alumni Bulletin, found here.