Former Ford CEO Red Poling dead at 86

DETROIT -- Harold "Red" Poling, the CEO who helped revive Ford Motor Co. after steering the automaker through the recession of the early 1990s, died on Saturday in Pacific Grove, Calif. He was 86.

"Red Poling was an extraordinary leader who had a profound impact on Ford Motor Co. and everyone who worked with him," Executive Chairman Bill Ford said in a statement.

"With a list of accomplishments that span 43 years, including leading the company through a remarkable turnaround during the 1980s and 1990s, Red was respected by all for his leadership, his passion for being the low-cost producer and his genuine affinity for people."

Poling took over as CEO from Don Petersen in 1990 and was succeeded by Alex Trotman in 1993. Trotman died in 2005.

By Automotive News