Quick Facts
Biography
James "Jim" Padilla was an American automobile industry executive.
Padilla was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering and a master's degree in economics. He is also a Distinguished Eagle Scout.
Padilla joined the Ford Motor Company in 1966, starting as a quality-control engineer. He was promoted to management in product engineering and manufacturing in 1976 and later became director of engineering and manufacturing for Jaguar Cars, director of performance luxury vehicles, and president of South American operations. He became group vice president for global manufacturing and quality and president of North and South America operations before being named President and chief operating officer of the company.
Padilla retired in July 2006. His responsibilities were then assumed by William Clay Ford Jr. (great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford), who would lead a new executive committee composed of the automaker's executive vice presidents. On September 5, 2006, Ford announced that Ford Jr. was stepping down as president and CEO, naming former Boeing senior executive Alan Mulally as his replacement. Ford Jr. continued as the company's executive chairman.