Bill Ford to step down as DEC chair

Detroit — Bill Ford, executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, has announced he will retire as chair of the Detroit Economic Club.

DTE Energy Chairman and CEO Gerry Anderson will replace Ford in the chairman’s position.

“I believe strongly in the mission of the Detroit Economic Club as it serves as a point of pride and promise for Detroit and plays an important role as the region works to reinvent itself,” Ford said in a release. “I am particularly proud of the progress the Club has made through the Young Leaders program, which is helping engage and develop our next generation of leaders here at home.”

Founded in 1934, the club is a nonprofit organization that serves as a forum for discussion on local business and social issues affecting the region. The official hand-off will be in July at the DEC’s annual chairman’s dinner, an event hosted by The Henry Ford.

“The DEC serves an important role, especially as a key platform for the discussion of important national and international issues,” Anderson said in a press release. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Club’s continued growth and programming during a remarkable time in Detroit’s history.”

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