About the Speaker
Joseph R. Hinrichs, a leader with more than 30 years of experience in the global automotive, manufacturing, and energy sectors, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of CSX in September 2022. Hinrichs brings to CSX a commitment to operational excellence, experience building global businesses through investment in people and culture, and a deep understanding of balancing safety and efficiency in a complex industry.
Hinrichs previously served as President of Ford Motor Company’s global automotive business. In that role, he led the company’s $160-billion automotive operations, overseeing Ford’s global business units and the Ford and Lincoln brands, as well as leading all of Ford’s automotive skill teams, including Product Development, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Labor Affairs, Marketing and Sales, Government Affairs, Information Technology, and Sustainability, Safety and Environmental Engineering. Other titles he held at Ford include President of Global Operations, President of the Americas, President of Asia Pacific and Africa, Chairman and CEO of Ford China, and Chairman & CEO of Ford Canada. Hinrichs has also held executive roles in global manufacturing and materials planning, and logistics.
Hinrichs is recognized for his dedication to operational excellence, successfully managing and growing complex P&Ls, consistently increasing profits, and engaging with the workforce. In his recent roles, he spearheaded global business growth as he oversaw the construction of new overseas manufacturing plants, developed and launched new vehicles and services, and improved product quality.
Further, Hinrichs is lauded for working seamlessly with a variety of stakeholders and managing large teams. In his latest role at Ford, Hinrichs oversaw nearly 200,000 employees and 10,000 Ford and Lincoln dealers around the world. During his time as President of the Americas, he led the team to deliver the three most profitable years in the history of Ford’s North American business unit and its best ever quality rankings.