Patrick Hennessy

For the Irish painter, see Patrick Hennessy (painter).
Patrick Hennessy
Born 18 April 1898
Died 13 March 1981
Nationality British
Known for Auto-industry executive
Spouse(s) Dorothy Margaret Davis (m. 1923-1949; her death)

Sir Patrick Hennessy (18 April 1898 – 13 March 1981) was an Irish-born British industrialist, originally from County Cork. During the First World War he served in the British army, between 1914 and 1918, with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.[1]

He started his career in 1920 with Henry Ford & Son in Cork.[2] He relocated to England, by now a separate country, in 1931 when he was appointed Purchasing Manager with Ford of Britain.[2] He was progressively promoted, appointed General Manager in 1939, Managing Director in 1948 and Chairman in 1956.[2]

Hennessy combined the role of chairman with that of Chief Executive until 1963, retiring from the chairmanship at the age of 70 on 3 May 1968.[3] His successor at Ford of Britain chairman was Leonard Crossland.[4]

Personal life

In 1923 he married Dorothy Margaret Davis of Boardmills, County Down.[1] The couple had two sons and one daughter.[1]

Patrick Hennessy was knighted in 1941.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Who's Who 1967". Hennessy, Sir Patrick: 1388. 1964.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "News and Views: Ford chief retires". Autocar. 128 (nbr 3765): 29. 11 April 1968.
  3. ↑ Maurice A Smith (ed) (18 April 1968). "Men of Ford". Autocar. 128 (nbr 3766): 60–61.
  4. ↑ "News and Views: New Chairman for Ford". Autocar. 137 (nbr 3988): 2. 28 September 1972.